Eggshell Research Articles

Fearfulness in commercial laying hens: a meta-analysis comparing brown and white egg layers

High fearfulness in commercial laying hens can negatively affect production parameters and animal welfare. Brown and white egg layers differ in several behavioral characteristics, though reported differences in fearfulness are inconsistent. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether there are systematic differences in measures of fearfulness between brown and white layers. Twenty-three studies that examined either 1 or both of 2 behavioral tests were included: tonic immobility (TI) (longer duration=higher fearfulness, 16 studies) and novel object (NO) test (lower approach rate=higher fearfulness, 11 studies). The 2 tests were analyzed separately. TI analyses: A generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM) with a lognormal distribution was fitted to describe the data with experiment nested in study as a random effect. Explanatory (X) variables were considered through backward selection, where potential X-variables included color (brown vs. white layers), decade (1980s, 2000s, 2020s), age (prelay vs. in lay), genetic stock (hybrid vs. grand-/parent stock), and methodology (back vs. side position). NO test analyses: univariable GLMMs with a beta distribution were fitted with approach rate as the Y-variable and color, decade, age, stock, or 2 methodological factors (test duration, single vs. group testing) as X-variables. Models were evaluated by assessing information criteria, residuals/random effect normality, significance of X-variables and model evaluation statistics (mean square prediction error, concordance correlation coefficient). TI duration was best explained by a color-by-decade interaction (P=0.0006). Whites in the 1980s had longer TI durations (709.43 ± 143.88 s) than browns in the 1980s (282.90 ± 59.70 s), as well as in comparison to browns (208.80 ± 50.82 s) or whites (204.85 ± 49.60 s) in the 2020s. The NO approach rate was best explained by color (P ≤ 0.05 in 3 models), age (P < 0.05 in 3 models), and decade (P=0.04). Whites had a higher approach rate (0.7 ± 0.07) than browns (0.5 ± 0.11), birds in lay a higher rate (0.8 ± 0.07) than birds prelay (0.4 ± 0.12), and approach rate for papers published in the 2000s (0.8 ± 0.09) was higher than in the 2020s (0.2 ± 0.12). The phylogenetic difference in the 1980s was no longer detectable after enforcing an upper limit on TI durations (10 min), as became common practice in later studies. Our findings suggest that phylogenetic differences in fearfulness and changes over time are test dependent, and this raises important questions and potential consequences for assessing hen welfare in commercial egg production.

Efficient photo-degradation of antibiotics by waste eggshells derived AgBr-CaCO3 heterostructure under visible light

The semiconductors have created a great avenue in visible-light photocatalysis and recently insulator photocatalysis has become an appealing research spot. Herein, a novel waste eggshells derived AgBr-CaCO3 heterostructure was finely designed and constructed through a simple co-precipitation method for efficient antibiotics photo-degradation under visible light. The optimal heterostructure achieved a pseudo-first-order kinetic constant of 6.0 × 10-2 min−1 for tetracycline (TC) degradation, with 72 and seven-fold enhancement than eggshell (ES) and AgBr, which also exhibited superior performance towards ofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the covalent interaction of Ag-O provided a specific channel for interfacial electrons transfer from the semiconductor to the insulator and thus greatly elevated the photocatalytic activity. The highly selective ·CO3– radicals generated by ES, as the main active species, also accelerated the antibiotics degradation. Furthermore, the possible degradation pathways, aquatic toxicity and mutagenicity variation of TC were thoroughly elucidated. This current study illuminated a new pathway for the design of insulator photocatalysts based upon waste solids and demonstrated its application prospect in the field of antibiotics degradation.

Medium chain carboxylate production from cassava wastes pretreated by ensiling

AbstractEvery year, approximately 35 million tons of combined cassava peels (CP) and cassava wastewater (CWW) are generated from the processing of cassava in Nigeria. The improper disposal of these wastes has serious environmental consequences in the form of air and water pollution. Using these wastes for biofuel production is one way of mitigating the impact of the mass flows on the environment. However, being a lignocellulosic biomass, CP requires pretreatment before it can yield a reasonable amount of biofuel. In this study, ensiling was chosen as a method for the pretreatment of CP slurry (CPS), formed from the combination of CP and CWW, for the production of medium‐chain carboxylates (MCCs), which have been reported to be more valuable than biogas and bioethanol. Calcined egg shells (CES) were added to some of the CPS before ensiling, to enhance the formation of butyric acid. The MCCs were produced through batch fermentation of the silage. The results show that ensiling degraded the hemicellulose and cellulose content of CPS. The silage containing CES had greater loss of volatile solids, higher butyric acid content, and a higher MCCs (C6‐C8) yield of 210 gkg‐1VS while the silage without CES had an MCC yield of 137 gkg‐1VS. Out of the three kinetic models that were used to predict the production of MCCs, the dual pool model gave the best prediction.

Oviducal Period and Egg Shell Calcification in the South African Tortoise Chersina angulata

Oviducal Period and Egg Shell Calcification in the South African Tortoise Chersina angulata

Review of the Benefits of Eggshell Content in Body Tissue Structure Repair

Eggshell (ES) is a waste material that cannot be consumed with low economic value. ES mainly contains calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and an organic matrix in the form of proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans. Meanwhile, the eggshell membrane (ESM) contains osteopontin collagen, fibronectin, keratin, histones, avian beta defensins, ovocalyxin-36, apolipoproteins, protocadherin, chondroitin sulfate, ovotransferrin, hyaluronic acid, and sialic acid as well as various amino acids. Recently, ES has been widely used in industry, agriculture, food, and medical fields. The potential of ES in the medical field is interesting to discuss, especially in relation to tissue repair. Efforts to reduce the prevalence of wounds that generally originate from acute wounds but become chronic due to various factors that are neglected in their management. In particular, this review will describe the benefits of ES content in repairing body tissues. ES-derived active ingredients such as CaCO3, brushite, and hydroxyapatite exhibit osteoconductive properties that promote bone regeneration. Calcium ions can increase insulin and leptin sensitivity in the liver and can induce repair of acute kidney injury. Meanwhile, ESM contributes positively to neural tissue repair and plays an important role in wound healing, response to external stimuli, defense response, inflammatory response, cell-substrate adhesion, promoting cell growth, migration, differentiation, and tissue remodeling.

Contribution of a groundwater-influenced hinterland drainage system to the restoration of salmonid spawning grounds at the upper river Danube

Groundwater-influenced ditches, so called hinterland drainage systems (HDS), accompany many heavily modified water bodies (HMWBs). Herein, we evaluate the usefulness of including HDS as functional habitats in river restoration approaches by assessing their role as salmonid recruitment areas in HMWBs. We tested the functionality of spawning grounds in a groundwater-influenced HDS compared to the quality of those not influenced by groundwater (OHB 1 and OHB 2), based on bioindication using brown trout eggs. Eggs were placed in each compartment of a two-layered container of 20 cm diameter and 30 cm total depth (known as the HydroEcoSedimentary Tool or HEST) pre-filled with sediment, mimicking hyporheic conditions. A total of 81 HESTs were evenly distributed across the three sites to assess egg and larvae mortality whilst exposed at two substrate depths (5–10 cm and 17–22 cm). In addition, key physico-chemical variables such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, turbidity, electric conductance and substratum composition were analyzed. Mean egg mortality in the HDS was 33% lower than in both non-groundwater-influenced spawning grounds, whereas mean larval mortality was highest in the HDS (95%) compared to 74% at OHB 1 and 66% at OHB 2. The exposure depth of eggs had a significant influence on mortality, with more dead eggs and larvae in the deeper substrate layers, most likely attributed to an increase of fine sediment and a decrease of oxygen availability over time. Particularly the HDS revealed high mortality rates of larvae since it had a 17% lower mean oxygen level compared to the other spawning grounds. These findings suggest that if additional measures such as substratum restoration were undertaken to increase oxygen availability within HDS, these groundwater-dominated ditches could be incorporated as part of an efficient river restoration strategy.

Some Biochemical Parameters of Eggplant Species from Turkey and Nigeria

In this study, the amounts of vitamins, beta-carotene, lycopene, glutathione (GSH, GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydroxyneoneal (4-HNE) in eggplant samples grown in Turkey (dark and light colored eggplant) and Nigeria (white garden egg, bitter apple and bitter tomato) were determined by HPLC. In addition, the total amount of phenolic, and flavonoid substances and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, IC50) were determined by a UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The amounts of vitamins A, E, β-carotene and lycopene were found to be in the ranged of 0.13 -3.63; 3.63-39.0; 1.87-30.5; 1.52-6.79 µg/g dw, respectively. The amounts of vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12 ranged 357-1136; 11.0-95.6; 1.9-5.4; 83-265; 30.16-65.43; 127-348; 24.74-78.6; 0.11-0.68 µg/g dw, respectively. GHS, GSSG, MDA and 4-HNE were found to be in between 364-1930; 225-962; 1.5-8.4; 24.57-38.25 µg/g dw, respectively. While the total phenolic substance was between 706-1260 µg GAE/g dw, the total amount of flavonoid substance was found to be in between 167-356 µg QE/g dw. ABTS values ranged between 365-692 µmol Troloxs/g dw, while IC50 values were in 65.1-99.3 µg/mL. It can be said that the differences observed in the parameters observed in eggplant varieties grown both in Turkey and Nigeria are due to genetic and geographical differences.

Recovery of phosphates from anaerobic MBR effluent using columns of eggshell and seagrass residues and their final use as a fertilizer

The combination of a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAnMBR) and two biowaste adsorption columns (eggshell (EGSL) and seagrass (SG)) was studied for the first time to evaluate the recovery of phosphates from wastewater. Reject wastewater from anaerobic sludge dewatering process was fed into the SAnMBR and the results showed a COD removal of 50%. The phosphate removal efficiency was low and as such, the effluent from SAnMBR was then passed through two columns containing thermally treated eggshell and seagrass residues for further phosphate removal. The final effluent analysis confirmed that phosphates could be additionally removed resulting in over 95% recovery (flow rate 0.3 L d−1), for both biowaste materials. The ammonium and COD removal after the adsorption columns was low, indicating the high selectivity towards phosphates. Moreover, the solid residues after adsorption were evaluated as soil conditioners on Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba seeds. The SG end product exhibited high GI values for both seeds tested indicating a positive effect on plant growth, while the EGSL end product negatively affected the seed germination. The fractionation analysis of phosphorus showed that inorganically bound phosphorus (IP) was the major phosphorus fraction in EGSL and SG end product, accounting for 92.6 and 95.7% of TP, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the SG and EGSL could be effectively reclaimed as selective adsorbents towards phosphates in combination with a SAnMBR and the SG solid residues after adsorption can be directly applied for agricultural purposes, contributing to the development of a zero-waste technology.

PERFORMA PRODUKSI DAN KUALITAS TELUR AYAM KETARRAS PADA SISTEM PEMELIHARAAN KANDANG BATERAI DAN UMBARAN

The aim of the study was to evaluate egg production performance and egg quality of Ketarras chickens in battery and umbaran rearing system. The study used 100 female Ketarras chickens aged 20 weeks; divided into 2 groups of maintenance systems, namely 50 in the battery cage and 50 in the umbaran rearing. The research was conducted at the Commercial Zone and Animal Laboratory (CZAL) Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu. Variables of production performance include: feed consumption, egg weight, percentage of egg production, egg mass production and feed conversion, while egg quality variables include: sample egg weight, egg index, yolk color, yolk weight, albumen weight, egg shell weight and shell thickness egg. Sampling for observation of egg quality was 100 eggs in each rearing system. Production performance data is discussed descriptively, while egg quality data is analyzed using the t test. The results of the evaluation of production performance showed that feed consumption and feed conversion in battery cages were lower with egg weight, egg production percentage and egg mass production being higher than in umbaran rearing system. The results of the t test showed that the rearing system had no significant effect (t count&lt;t table) on all egg quality variables. It can be concluded that the egg production performance of Ketarras chickens in battery cages is better than in umbaran rearing system without any difference in egg quality. Keyword : Ketarras Chicken, Rearing System, Performance, Egg Quality

Influence of powdered chick eggshell (PECS) on mechanical and wear properties of kenaf fiber (KF) reinforced composites

The mechanical and wear characteristics of epoxy polymer reinforced composites using kenaf fibre (KF) and powdered chick eggshell (PCES) were examined experimentally. Calcined and uncalcined egg shell particles were created through the processing of egg shell. By using soil retting, kenaf fibres were extracted from the ground and then subjected to NaOH treatment. The composite was made by mixing the selected components in a specified ratio using the hand lay-up process. The produced composites' mechanical and wear characteristics were assessed. The results showed that calcium carbonate may be found in egg shell particles, and in most tests, the uncalcined ESP/SF reinforced epoxy composites outperformed the calcined ESP/SF composites. Additionally, it was found that most tests performed best at various weight fractions. The maximum results of this experimental investigation were 49.57 MPa, 3.64 GPa, 34.41 MPa, 3.49 GPa, 16.43 kJ/m2, and 63.91 HS for tensile, flexural, impact strength, flexural, tensile modulus, and shore D hardness. The 2- wt% calcined PCES particles were responsible for establishing the better wear behaviour. However, the weight fraction with the best values was found to be 2 weights %.

Required Force for Penetrate the Duck Eggshell to Protect at Handling and Hatching

The research aims to study the force required to break the shell of duck eggs, which helps to provide the conditions for the process of hatching eggs and circulation. The physical and mechanical properties hade been measured. The most important results were as follows: The arithmetic mean of the length and the longest diameter 56.19, 42.94 mm, the coefficient of shape, surface area and volume were 0.77, 18071.11 mm 2, 16.0 mm3 , the thickness of the eggshell from the middle, top and bottom 0.23 mm, 0.23 mm 2, 0.21 mm, the minimum and maximum force required to break the egg and the occurrence of hatching, at top, middle, and bottom (0.05, 32.24 N), (0.11, 25.67 N), (0.05, 32.70 N), the standard deviation was 7.53, 6.52, and 8.02, respectively, the mean was 14.91, 12.23, and 14.73 N, respectively. The minimum and maximum distance that the surface advances was 0.015, and 9.0 mm to the center, and 13.8 mm to the bottom of the egg shell. The results of the ANOVA analysis showed that there were significant differences in the value of the compressive force depending on the area of ​​​​breaking the egg. The least of them was in the middle, the area of ​​fracture (collapse) when the egg hatched. It is preferable to use the largest pressure force (32.7 N) to break the egg to ensure the highest hatching rate inside the hatchery.

External and Internal Qualities of Chicken Eggs Early Production at Various Storage Times at Room Temperature

Eggs are one of the consumed foods that contain many essential amino acid nutrients such as lysine, tryptophan, and methionine. Egg quality can be seen from the storability of eggs after they are produced. This study aims to evaluate the effect of various storage lengths on the external and internal quality of chicken egg consumption of the Isa Brown strain at the beginning of production at room temperature. The research method is a Laboratories experiment using a Complete Randomized Design. The study treatment consisted of egg storage duration for 0 days (P0), 7 days (P1), 14 days (P2), and 21 days (P3) with 4 repeats and each test unit of 4 eggs. The research variables include external qualities: egg weight, egg index, shell weight, and eggshell thickness, then internal qualities: egg white index, yolk index, yolk color, and egg pH. The data obtained in this study were analyzed with ANOVA, if there are differences between treatments, then proceed with the the Least Significant Differenttest. The results showed that the duration of deviation had a very noticeable influence (P&lt;0.01) on the external quality of the egg including:egg weight, weightand thickness of the eggshell, and no influence (P&gt;0.01) on the egg index. The length of storage also has a very noticeable influence on the internal quality of eggs (P&lt;0.01). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the initial chicken eggs of production at a storage duration of up to 21 days at room temperature experience a decrease in external and internal qualities but still meet the Standards National Indonesia 3926:2008

Research Note: Association of IGF-1R gene polymorphism with egg quality and carcass traits of quail (Coturnix japonica)

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene is the main effector of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which plays an important role in growth, development and reproduction of the animal organism. This study aimed to investigate the association of IGF-1R gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with egg quality and carcass traits of quail by direct sequencing. In this study, genomic DNA was extracted from quail blood samples of 46 Chinese yellow (CY) quail, 49 Beijing white (BW) quail and 48 Korean (KO) quail strains. Egg quality and carcass traits were measured and used for IGF-1R gene analysis in 3 quail strains. The results showed that 2 SNPs (A57G and A72T) of the IGF-1R gene were detected in 3 quail strains. The A57G was significantly associated with yolk width (YWI) in BW strain (P < 0.05). Whereas A72T was significantly associated with egg shell thickness (EST) in BW strain (P < 0.05), and significantly associated with egg weight (EW), egg long (EL), and egg short (ES) in KO strain (P < 0.05). Haplotypes based on 2 SNPs showed significant effect on EST in 3 quail strains (P < 0.05), it also has a significant effect on EW in KO strain (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, A72T was significantly associated with liver weight (LW) and dressing percentage (DP) in 3 strains (P < 0.05). Haplotypes showed significant effect on LW (P < 0.05). Therefore, the IGF-1R gene may be a molecular genetic marker to improve egg quality and carcass traits in quails.

Upaya Peningkatan Ekonomi Anggota Bank Sampah ‘Satu Hati’, melalui Pengelolaan dan Pemanfaatan Limbah Sampah di Kelurahan Sumber Mulyo Rejo, Binjai Timur

The aims of the service is to provide information and education to the people in the Sumber Mulyo, one of sub-district in Binjai especially the members of ‘Satu Hati’ Garbage Bank. regarding household waste management and provide practical training to develop new products with higher economic value by empowering garbage. This activity was carried out in the form of lectures and training on Maggot cultivation (Black Fly Soldier / BFS) and egg shell processing which was attended by members of the 'Satu Hati’ Waste Bank. Through this activity of organic eggshell waste it is hoped that members of the ‘Satu Hati’ Garbage Bank will gain new knowledge that can be practically implemented to deal with waste and can also receive economic benefits through the processing and Maggot cultivation.

EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC ADMINISTRATION Bacillus subtilis BN Strain ON QUALITY OF CHICKEN EGGS

This reseacrh aims to find out the effect of probiotic administration of Bacillus subtilis BN Strain on shell thickness, white index and chicken yolk index. This research used 38-week-old layer laying hens as many as 24 heads, randomized into four treatments with eight replays. Treatment consists of P0 without the addition of probiotics, P1 with the addition of Bacillus subtilis BN Strain as many as 0.005 grams / kg of feed, P2 with the addition of Bacillus subtilis BN Strain as many as 0.01 grams / kg of feed and P3 with the addition of Bacillus subtilis BN Strain as many as 0.02 grams / kg of feed. Based on the analysis of statistical data, the Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) test showed no noticeable difference (p&gt;0.05) to the thickness of the shell, white index or egg yolk index. The results showed that the addition of probiotic Bacillus subtilis BN Strain as many as 0.005 grams/kg of feed, 0.01 grams/kg of feed and 0.02 kg/kg of feed had no noticeable effect on the increase in egg shell thickness, egg white index and egg yolk index.

Multifunctional inorganic/organic nanocomposite microspheres - reinventing eggs for bone repair applications

This study reports for first time the development of bone-regenerative nanocomposite microspheres re-engineered from chicken eggs. We deployed a novel hybrid crosslinking technique combining chemical and thermal crosslinking to produce highly cross-linked microspheres consisting of organic egg white matrix and bioactive inorganic egg shell nanofillers. The nanocomposite microspheres exhibit enhanced mechanical properties and prolonged degradation profile. Ca2+ released from the microspheres are found to accelerate the biomineralization process, facilitate the stem cell differentiation, and promote the osteogenesis process. In addition, antibiotic drug levofloxacin has been loaded onto the proposed microspheres and the dual function of the microspheres in bacterial infection control and bone regeneration has been successfully demonstrated in animal models. Results show that our nanocomposite microspheres can serve as a promising multifunctional platform for bone repair applications.

European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) Nest Predation: A Study with Artificial Nests

Nest predation significantly impacts the population decline of the long-living European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Kis-Balaton is one of the most important habitats of this species in Hungary, and in May 2017 more than 400 damaged nests were counted. To reveal predation pressure, we conducted a study with artificial nests on three sites in this area. On each site, we used 11 depredated real nests, and near each of them, we created new artificial nests; then in every nest we put one quail egg, one plasticine egg and several turtle egg shells. After that, we sprayed the smoothed surface of the covered holes with water-diluted turtle urine, imitating the turtle's behaviour. Already in the first three nights, 94% of all nests were depredated by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and in one case by the European badger (Meles meles), which was confirmed by the bite marks preserved on the plasticine eggs, by the footprints and excrements found near the nests, as well as by camera recordings. Only 6% of the nests survived during the three weeks of our study. Daily survival rates of quail eggs in artificial nests established in both real (damaged) and in new nests were similar, suggesting that estimates obtained with artificial nests reflect the degree of predation pressure on real nests. On the site where the nests were scattered, their daily survival rate (33%) was significantly lower than on the sites where their arrangement was partly scattered, partly linear (83%), or only linear (76%). On two additional sites, by using simulated turtle nests we showed that spraying the nests with diluted turtle urine and marking them with a flag did not affect their survival, although further methodological testing is needed. The information obtained with artificial nests enables the organization of the protection of the nests of the European pond turtle and selective predator control.

Effect of disinfectants on viability of Trichuris skrjabini eggs

The nematodoses are considered the most numerous group of cosmopolitan diseases among animal and human parasitoses. The representatives of the genus Trichuris attract special attention as pathogens of nematodoses. Their high fecundity, resistance to the influence of environmental factors and the ability to disperse create a serious ecological hazard and the risk of new outbreaks of infestation. The aim of the research was to establish the ovicidal efficiency of modern disinfectants on the embryogenesis of eggs of Trichuris skrjabini nematodes isolated from sheep. In laboratory conditions, two preparations were tested, DZPT-2 (mixture of glutaraldehyde, sodium dodecyl sulfate, essential oil) and Dixclor (mixture of sodium bisulfate, sodium chlorite, sodium percarbonate) at different concentrations and times of exposure. We established that DZPT-2 disinfectant showed a high level of ovicidal efficiency (97.5–100%) against T. skrjabini eggs at 4.5% concentration during exposure for 6–12 h and 5.0% concentration during exposure for 3–12 h. Dixclor showed a high level of ovicidal efficiency (100%) against Trichuris eggs at a concentration of 0.24% for exposures of 12 and 24 hours. Decreasing the concentration of disinfectants reduced the level of their ovicidal efficiency and led to the development of a greater number of viable eggs of T. skrjabini. Degenerative changes in the test cultures of T. skrjabini eggs caused by the tested disinfectants were characterized by the appearance and accumulation of air bubbles under the egg shell, the cessation of embryonic development at the bean-like embryo stage, loosening and resorption of the embryo inside the eggs, thinning and destruction of their shell, deformation of the eggs, and swelling of the egg plugs. Such destructive changes in eggs in experimental test cultures were also confirmed by the indicators of their morphometric parameters. Under the influence of DZPT-2 and Dixclor on the 54th day of cultivation, the length of the eggs was lower by 3.9%, and their width was greater by 4.8–5.1% compared to similar indicators in the control test culture. The obtained results allow one to recommend the tested disinfectants in defined and effective concentrations and exposures for effective control and prevention of trichurosis on livestock farms.

Evaluation of Physical Egg Quality Parameters of Commercial Brown Laying Hens Housed in Five Production Systems.

This study evaluates the effect of housing environment on the egg quality characteristics of brown egg layers as many different environments are currently used in the industry. Battery cages, barren colony cages, enriched colony cages, cage-free, and free-range environments were evaluated. Overall, all egg quality measurements were affected by housing environment (p < 0.01) except for vitelline membrane strength, elasticity, and egg solids. Eggshells and yolks were lightest in barren colony cages and darkest from free-range hens (p < 0.0001). Free-range eggs were heavier than eggs from all other environments (p < 0.0001). Cage-free eggs had lower albumen height and Haugh units than other environments (p < 0.0001). Lastly, cage-free and free-range eggs had stronger eggshells than the other environments (p < 0.0001), and free-range eggs had more elastic eggshells than eggs from conventional battery cages and barren colony cages (p < 0.01). Access to the range seemed to give free-range hens different nutritional advantages, which allowed for the darker yolks and shells. Furthermore, eggs from barren colony cages seemed to exhibit more negative characteristics. Simply adding enrichments to colony cages did not improve or detract from egg quality. From this research, it appears that, as the industry moves toward extensive environments, the egg quality of brown egg layers will improve.

The Effect of Housing Environment on Commercial Brown Egg Layer Production, USDA Grade and USDA Size Distribution.

Consumer demand for retail cage-free eggs is driving the layer industry towards greater use of extensive housing environments. However, there is limited research on how these environments affect egg production characteristics of brown egg layers, as was the focus of this study. Five housing environments were evaluated under typical industry conditions, including conventional cages, enrichable colony cages, enriched colony cages, cage-free and free-range. Three different brown egg laying strains were housed in the different housing environments and managed according to standard husbandry practices and stocking densities. Data collection for the strains began at 17 weeks of age, with a base period of 28 days for feed weigh backs and egg quality assessments. Housing environment had a highly significant (p < 0.0001) effect on all egg production characteristics measured, including egg production rates (% hen-day and % hen-housed), feed consumption (g/bird/day), feed conversion (egg g/feed g), and mortality rate (%) as well as percent grade A, B, and loss. Previous research revealed better egg production metrics for white egg layers in caged environments than extensive environments. In contrast, we observed brown egg layers had optimum production results for the free-range housing environments, and the poorest performance in enrichable colony cages.