Revealing the correlation between hatching weight and egg characteristics in Tukong chickens

Abstract

The Tukong chicken, renowned for its unique rumpless trait, is indigenous to West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This study endeavors to explore the intricate associations among hatching weight, egg weight, and egg index within the Tukong chicken breed. A total of 104 Tukong chicken eggs served as the primary research material, sourced from 10 female hens paired with 5 male counterparts. To ensure consistent data, the chickens were reared under uniform conditions and management practices. The parameters examined encompassed hatching weight, egg weight, egg length, egg width, and egg index. Comprehensive data analysis, including descriptive and correlation analyses employing SPSS version 25 software, unveiled specific metrics for the Tukong chickens in these dimensions: hatching weight (31.09±2.47 g), egg weight (42.65±4.59 g), egg length (49.84±2.33 mm), egg width (38.84±1.96 mm), and egg index (78.04±4.55%). Noteworthy findings include a robust and statistically significant positive correlation (p<0.01) between hatching weight and egg weight (r=0.758), egg length (r=0.495), and egg width (r=0.522). However, no significant correlation emerged between egg index and either egg weight or hatching weight. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into the complex relationships governing hatching weight and various egg attributes in Tukong chickens. These findings promise to enhance egg quality and optimize hatching outcomes within Tukong chicken breeding programs.