External Quality Assessment of Table Eggs Produced Under Cage and Deep Litter Housing Systems of Genesis Poultry Farm, Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Abstract

The present study was designed to assess the External Quality Assessment of Table Eggs Produced in cage and deep litter poultry housing systems. The study was under taken during a period of six months (November to May), on Genesis commercial poultry farm, which is found in Bishoftu town. A total of 1200 eggs from both housing systems were studied for physical characteristics. The results showed that there were highly significant (p<0.05) difference regarding egg cleanness between age groups, but eggs shape and size defects were not significantly associated with age in both housing systems. Percentage results of 1200 egg sampled from cage and deep litter housing system revealed that 16.6% and 20.2% table eggs were lost due to deterioration from cage and deep litter housing systems respectively. In conclusion, both housing system under study revealed very small (negligible) abnormal size and shape. Therefore; awareness about the management and carefully handling practice of eggs should be organized to create well-informed poultry farms and consumers to maintain egg quality then offer safe and good quality eggs for consumption.