Eggshell Weight Research Articles

Metabolomics analysis of the effects of different litter size on reproductive metabolism and oxidative stress in breeding pigeon (Columba livia)

The pigeon breeding industry employs a high-rearing pattern to achieve economic benefits. However, too many squabs consume more energy of the breeding pigeons causing adverse effects on their breeding performance. To determine the optimal rearing patterns and the effects of different numbers of squabs on reproductive performance, oxidative stress, and glucolipid metabolism of lactating breeding pigeons in winter, three rearing patterns consisting of “2 + 2″, “2 + 3″ and “2 + 4" (a pair of breeding pigeons feeding two, three and four squabs, respectively) were adopted using European Mimas white pigeons breed. The feed intake, bodyweight loss, feed-to-meat ratio, and squab mortality were linearly increased with the number of squabs during lactation, while the bodyweight recovery rate and squab growth performance were significantly slowed down after lactation. Similarly, the laying rate was linearly decreased on days 16, 17, and 18 of lactation, with a similar pattern on the re-laying rate on days 11, 12, and 13 after first laying. In addition, the number of non-laying pigeons in the second batch was significantly increased, implying that the number of squabs significantly affected the reproductive performance of female pigeons. The eggshell weight and thickness in the “2 + 3″ group were significantly increased. However, the number of squabs in the “2 + 3″ group had no significant effect on plasma calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. Analysis of the glucolipid metabolism index and oxidative stress level of pigeons further revealed that the contents of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the plasma of male pigeons were significantly decreased with the increase in the number of squabs, but there was no obvious oxidative stress. On the contrary, glucose (GLU), TG, malondialdehyde (MDA) in the plasma of female pigeons were significantly increased, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were significantly decreased, implying that the female pigeons suffered more oxidative stress and more dramatic changes in glucolipid metabolism. Metabolomics revealed that the differential metabolites in the plasma of female pigeons in “2 + 2″, “2 + 3″, and “2 + 4″ groups were significantly enriched in the fatty acid, phospholipid, sphingolipid metabolism, and the Krebs cycle pathways, especially under “2 + 4″ rearing pattern. Overall, in female pigeons, the available lipids were reduced; hence, their body turned to sugar dysplasia and protein utilization mode, increasing the oxidative stress level and decreasing their reproductive performance. Therefore, an increased number of squabs significantly affects the body condition and reproductive performance of breeding pigeons. The “2 + 3″ rearing pattern is the most suitable for winter breeding pigeon production under the current nutrition level.

Effect of body weight at photostimulation on productive performance and welfare aspects of commercial layers.

Due to current selection practices for increased egg production and peak persistency, the production profile, age at maturity, and body weight criteria for commercial layers are constantly changing. Body weight and age at the time of photostimulation will thus always be the factors that need to be adequately addressed among various production systems. The current study was carried out to determine the effects of pullets' body weight (low, medium, and heavy) on their performance, welfare, physiological response, and hormonal profile. With regard to live weight, 150 16-week-old pullets were divided into three groups using a completely randomized design (CRD) and held until the 50th week. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the data under the CRD, and the least significant difference test was used to distinguish between treatment means. In comparison to the medium and light birds, the heavy birds had higher body weight at maturity, an earlier age at maturity, and higher egg weight, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, egg yolk index, breaking strength, egg surface area, egg shape index, egg volume, and hormonal profile except corticosterone. However, the medium and light birds had lower feed consumption rates per dozen eggs and per kilogram of egg mass than the heavy birds. Light birds showed greater body weight gain, egg production, and egg specific gravity than the other categories. At 20 weeks of age, physiological response, welfare aspects, and catalase were non-significant; however, at 50 weeks of age, all these factors-aside from catalase-were extremely significant. The findings of this study indicate that layers can function at lower body weights during photostimulation; hence, dietary regimens that result in lighter pullets may be preferable. Additionally, the welfare of the birds was not compromised by the lighter weight group.

Effect of phytase and limestone particle size on mineral digestibility, performance, eggshell quality, and bone mineralization in laying hens

The effect of microbial phytase and limestone particle size (LmPS) was assessed in Lohmann Tradition laying hens from 31 to 35 wk of age. Seventy-two hens were used in a completely randomized trial according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of phytase/basal available P (aP); 0 FTU/kg with 0.30% aP or 300 FTU/kg with 0.15% aP, and 2 limestone particle sizes; fine particles (FL, <0.5 mm) or a mix (MIX) of 75% coarse limestone (CL, 2-4mm) and 25% FL. Diets contained equivalent levels of Ca (3.5%), phytic P (PP; 0.18%), and aP (0.30%) considering the P equivalency of phytase. Thus, dietary treatments were FL0 and MIX0 without phytase, and FL300 and MIX300 with 300 FTU/kg phytase. Performance were recorded daily and eggshell quality (eggshell weight proportion, weight, thickness, and breaking strength) was measured weekly. At the end of the trial, bone parameters (tibia breaking strength, elasticity, and ash) and the apparent precaecal digestibility (APCD) of P and Ca were determined. No differences were observed between treatments in feed intake, FCR and bone parameters. Addition of MIX increased the eggshell proportion, weight and thickness in groups receiving no phytase (+6.5, +6.9, and +4.5%, respectively) while no effect was observed in groups receiving phytase (Phytase×LmPS, P<0.05). In hens receiving FL, the APCD of P was lower in diets supplemented with phytase (-14 percentage points; Phytase×LmPS, P<0.001). A higher phytate disappearance was observed in hens fed diets with phytase in combination with MIX (Phytase×LmPS, P=0.005). Phytase and MIX together increased the APCD of Ca by 7.3 percentage points (Phytase×LmPS, P<0.001). In conclusion, addition of CL could limit the formation of Ca-phytate complex thus improving the response of the birds to phytase compared to FL.

Impact of fermented Broussonetia papyrifera on laying performance, egg quality, lipid metabolism, and follicular development of laying hens

Hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) has been widely planted and commonly used as ruminant forage source after fermentation in China. Very less information is available to know the impact of fermented BP on laying hens, thus, we have investigated effects of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented B. papyrifera (LfBP) on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, lipid metabolism, and follicular development of laying hens. A total of 288 HY-Line Brown hens (age, 23 wk) were randomly assigned into 3 treatment groups: control group (Con, a basal diet), LfBP1 and LfBP5 group (a basal diet supplemented with 1% or 5% LfBP). Each group has 8 replicates of twelve birds each. The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation of LfBP increased average daily feed intake (linear, P < 0.05), feed conversion ratio (linear, P < 0.05), and average egg weight (linear, P < 0.05) during the entire experimental period. In addition, dietary inclusion of LfBP enhanced the egg yolk color (linear, P < 0.01) but decreased the eggshell weight (quadratic, P < 0.05) and eggshell thickness (linear, P < 0.01). In serum, the LfBP supplementation linearly decreased the content of total triglyceride (linear, P < 0.01) but increased the content of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (linear, P < 0.05). The gene expression related to hepatic lipid metabolism including acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARα) was down-regulated whereas liver X receptor was up-regulated in LfBP1 group. Moreover, LfBP1 supplementation remarkably reduced the F1 follicle number and ovarian gene expression of reproductive hormone receptors including estrogen receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, progesterone receptor, prolactin receptor, and B cell lymphoma-2. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of LfBP could improve feed intake, egg yolk color, and lipid metabolism, but may cause a decline in eggshell quality with higher inclusion level, herein, 1% is suggested.

Effects of Dietary Phytosterol Supplementation on the Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Length of Small Intestine, and Tibia Quality in Aged Laying Hens

This study aimed at investigating the effects of phytosterols on the productive performance, egg quality, length of small intestine, and tibia quality in aged laying hens. A total of 960 Dawu Jinfeng commercial laying hens (75 weeks of age) were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group had 16 replicates and every replicate contained four cages (five birds/cage). The control group hens received the basal diet without phytosterols. The hens in the experimental groups received a diet containing phytosterols at concentrations of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg for 7 weeks. The results showed that phytosterols had a linearly increasing effect on egg weight, eggshell surface area, albumen height, and haugh unit at week 5 of experiment (p < 0.05). Supplemental phytosterols linearly and quadratically increased eggshell thickness (p < 0.05). At week 7 of the experiment, dietary supplementation of phytosterols linearly increased egg weight and eggshell weight (p < 0.05). Supplementation of 20 mg/kg, but not 40 mg/kg, phytosterols increased the length of the small intestine. However, dietary phytosterols had no effect on the laying rate, mortality, or liver index (p > 0.1). The results of tibia quality detected by micro-CT also showed no difference in the treatment of phytosterols. Therefore, supplementation with 20 mg/kg phytosterols in the diet improves egg quality and increases the length of small intestine, but has no effects on the quality of the tibia.

Manufacturing and Characterization of Polymer Concrete with Aggregate from Sand, Egg Shell and Sugarcane Waste with Epoxy Resin Binder as Sound Absorber

Environmentally friendly polymer concrete by utilizing waste has been widely developed, one of which is sugarcane fiber waste and egg shell powder. Utilization of this waste is not optimal, for that by being used as a filler in polymer concrete, it is expected that it will have a higher economic value. This study was to determine the composition of the epoxy resin binder and the mechanical characteristics of polymer concrete fabricated using sugarcane fiber waste with an epoxy resin adhesive. Variations in composition made of sand, egg shells (1 : 1) or (50 g : 50g), bagasse waste 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% of the total weight. Epoxy resin composition variation of 20%, 25% and 30% of the total weight of sand and egg shells. Then carried out the characteristics in the form of density test, water absorption, porosity, compressive strength and tensile strength. From the test results, the characteristics of polymer concrete have optimum values, namely density (1.76 g/cm3), water absorption (4.04%), porosity (5,252%), compressive strength (26,27 MPa), tensile strength (4,06 MPa). Of the three samples, the best in the A5 sample with a sound absorption coefficient of 0.237 met the requirements of ISO and ASTM C.384.

Determination of the Optimal Dietary Amino Acid Ratio Based on Egg Quality for Japanese Quail Breeder

The objective of this study was to determine the ideal amino acid ratio for Japanese quail based on egg quality. In total, 120 Japanese quail were used. A completely randomized design was used with 12 treatments and 10 replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of a balanced protein (BP) and the subsequent 11 diets were obtained by the 40% deletion of the BP a specific test for Lys, Met + Cys, Thr, Trp, Arg, Gly + Ser, Val, Ile, Leu, His, and Phr + Tyr. The trial lasted for 25 days. At the end of the trial, egg weight (EW), albumen height, albumen diameter, albumen index, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, Haugh unit, eggshell weight (ESW), and eggshell percentage were measured. The ideal ratio was calculated when a statistical difference was detected using Dunnett’s test. Only the EW and ESW variables differed from those of BP. The ideal amino acid ratios considering Lys as 100 for EW and ESW were Met + Cys 82 and 83, Thr 60 and 68, Trp 18 and 21, Arg 109 and 112, Gly + Ser 99 and 102, Val 77 and 87, Ile 61 and 67, Leu 155 and 141, His 34 and 37, Phe + Try 134 and 133, respectively.

Effect of Supplementation of Indigofera Shoot Flour on Egg Quality of ISA Brown Layers

This study purposed to investigate the effect of using shoot flour of Indigofera zollingeriana from coconut plantations which was added to the ration on the quality of chicken eggs. This research used a completely randomized design with four (4) treatments and five (5) replications. The experimental ration contain Indigofera shoot leaf flour (ISLF) which was tested consisted of: P0 = 0% ISLF, P1 = 2.5% ISLF, P2 = 5.0% ISLF, and P3 = 7.5% ISLF. The variables measured and observed included egg weight, egg shell weight, shell thickness, egg height, albumen height, albumen weight, egg yolk color and egg yolk weight. The research data were analyzed by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) based on Completely Randomized Design in using Minitab 16 software. If the treatment has a significant effect, further testing would be carried out with the Honesty Significant Difference Test. This study found that the internal and external quality of eggs was affected when shoot leaf flour from indigofera zollingeriana was added to chicken rations. It was reasoned that organization of indigofera shoot flour to a degree of 5.0% gave the best.

Photocatalytic removal of 2-chlorophenol from water by using waste eggshell-derived calcium ferrite.

A new approach to recycling low-value eggshell food waste was to produce a CaFe2O4 semiconductor with a narrow band gap (Eg = 2.81 eV) via hydrothermal treatments of powdered eggshell suspended in aqueous ferric salt (Fe3+) solutions at varying Fe loadings. It was possible to obtain a single phase of CaFe2O4 without any Ca(OH)2 and CaO impurities using an optimal Fe loading (30 wt% of Fe3+ by eggshell weight). The CaFe2O4 material was used as a photocatalyst for the breakdown of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP, a herbicide model chemical) as a pollutant in water. The CaFe2O4 with a Fe loading of 7.1 wt% exhibited a high 2-CP removal efficiency of 86.1% after 180 min of UV-visible light irradiation. Additionally, the eggshell-derived CaFe2O4 photocatalyst can be effectively reused, giving a high removal efficiency of 70.5% after the third cycle, without the requirement of regeneration processes (washing or re-calcination). Although radical trapping experiments confirmed that hydroxyl radicals were generated in the photocatalytic reactions, photogenerated holes play a significant role in the high 2-CP degradation efficiencies. The performance of the bioderived CaFe2O4 photocatalysts in the removal of pesticides from water demonstrated the benefits of resource recycling in the area of materials science and in environmental remediation and protection.

Beneficial effects of instrumental music on the production performance of Xiandao green-shell layers housed under different stocking densities

Context Egg production rate (EPR) is the main criteria for egg producers and egg quality is important for consumers. Exposed to music, layers kept at appropriate stocking density could display optimal production performance without compromising egg quality. Aims This study aimed to investigate the possibility of employing instrumental music stimulus and regulating stocking density to maximise egg production performance and improve egg quality in Xiandao green-shell layers. Methods In total, 378 30-week-old layers were randomly distributed into nine treatments across three types of sound sources (natural sound, instrumental music, or mixed road noise) × three different stocking densities (4, 7 and 10 birds/cage corresponding to low, medium, and high density respectively), with six replicates per treatment. The 24-day experimental period was equally divided into four phases. EPR, average egg weight, and serum IgG concentration were determined at the end of each phase. Egg quality and organ indices were determined at the end of experiment. Results Hens exposed to music had a significantly higher EPR and laid eggs of better quality than did hens subjected to mixed road noise. Across all parameters, hens exposed to music did not significantly differ from hens exposed to natural sound. Stocking density had significant impacts on EPR, relative eggshell weight, and serum IgG concentration, with hens kept at high stocking density (357 cm2/hen) exhibiting the lowest values. Hens kept at medium density (510 cm2/hen) and low density (892 cm2/hen) showed no significant differences in tested parameters except that the former produced eggs with a significantly higher relative eggshell weight. Significant interactions between sound and density were observed in EPR, relative yolk weight, and spleen index, with hens exposed to music and kept at low density displaying the highest values. Conclusions Music and low stocking density had favourable effects on improving egg production and egg quality, while road noise and high stocking density exerted negative influences on them. Implications Xiandao green-shell layers are recommended to be kept at medium density to maximise the production benefits. The integration of music playback into management practices will not compromise layers’ production potential displayed under natural sound exposure.

Kajian Penggunaan Maggot (Hermetiaillucens) Dalam Pakan Terhadap Kualitas Telur Ayam Ras

This study aims to determine the effect of using Hermetia illucens maggot in feed on the internal and external quality of broiler eggs.The study used 80 laying hens aged 6 months which were divided into 4 treatments, 5 replications and each replication consisted of 4 tails. The variables observed were the external quality of eggs (egg weight, egg shape index, shell thickness, egg shell weight) and internal eggs (egg white index, yolk index, egg Haugh units, egg yolk color). The data obtained were analyzed with a completely randomized design. The average results of egg weight ranged from 56.18 g/egg - 56.98 g/egg, egg shape index between 73.91-80.54%, egg shell thickness between 0.35 mm – 0.38 mm, weight egg shells between 6.97 g/egg - 7.15 g/egg . While the egg white index ranged from 0.10 to 0.14, the yolk index ranged from 0.39 to 0.45, the Haugh unit ranged from 84.50 to 99.30, the yolk color ranged from 8.50 to 10.60. It was concluded that the use of Hermetia Illucens maggot 5%, 10%, 15% in feed resulted in external and internal quality of chicken eggs in the normal range.

Comparative analysis of physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of eggs from three pheasant subspecies

The profitability of pheasants breeding is influenced by many factors, but eggs quality is considered as the backbone for successful pheasant breeding. The objective of this study was to determine and compare various quality characteristics (physical, morphological, and mechanical) of eggs from three pheasant subspecies: common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus colchicus), Mongolian pheasant (Phasianus colchicus mongolicus), and black pheasant (Phasianus colchicus vs. tenebrosus). A total sample of 180 eggs (60 eggs of each pheasant subspecies) was collected from pheasant hens kept in aviaries in their first year of production (43-47 wk of age). The average weight and volume of eggs from common pheasants was significantly lower (P ˂ 0.05) than those from Mongolian and black pheasants. No significant differences between three pheasant subspecies were observed in albumen and yolk weight and percentage, while egg shell weight and percentage were significantly higher (P < 0.01) at eggs from black pheasants. In comparison to eggs from Mongolian and common pheasants, eggs from black pheasants had the thickest shell and the highest shell strength and required highest force to egg breaking. The values of breaking force and other mechanical characteristics depend on the direction of the loading force during egg compression. The data obtained by evaluating certain characteristics of egg quality can be useful to breeders when choosing a pheasant subspecies, as well as for choosing quality eggs for hatching and their storage.

Assessment of Feed Efficiency and Its Relationship with Egg Quality in Two Purebred Chicken Lines and Their Reciprocal Crosses

Crossbreeding is normally applied to improve the economical traits of chickens. However, feed efficiency and its relationship with egg quality have rarely been explored in crossbreds. Herein, White Leghorn and Beijing You chickens were selected to generate purebreds (WW, YY) and reciprocal crossbreds (YW, WY), which were evaluated in terms of daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake (RFI) at 43 to 46 and 69 to 72 weeks of age, respectively. We found that WY was more efficient than YW in both laying periods. The correlation analysis showed that RFI was highly correlated with DFI (0.49 to 0.84) but unrelated to egg mass, and FCR was negatively correlated with egg mass (−0.77 to −0.43) in both purebreds and crossbreds. Moreover, RFI was not correlated with egg quality traits within each genetic group, except for the egg yolk ratio (0.27) in WW. FCR was negatively correlated with eggshell weight and thickness (−0.33 to −0.19) in WW and WY. Compared to FCR, selection for RFI could improve feed efficiency without significant changes in egg mass and quality in chickens. These findings provide new insights into the improvement of feed efficiency using rational parental lines in chicken crossbreeding.

Egg quality, hatchability, gosling quality, and amino acid profile in albumen and newly-hatched goslings’ serum as affected by egg storage

In modern poultry husbandry, storing fertilized eggs is a common measure to cope with the variable demands of the market and the maximum hatching capacity of the hatchery. However, this measure is harmful to the hatchability of eggs and the quality of newly hatched birds. Knowledge about the effects of storing fertilized eggs on the performance of goslings is still limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of storing fertilized eggs on egg quality, hatchability, gosling quality, hatching weight, post-hatching growth performance, and amino acid profile in albumen and newly hatched goslings' serum. A total of 1,080 fertilized goose eggs (Jilin White goose) with a similar egg weight (126.56 ± 0.66 g) were used in this study. All eggs were distributed into 3 groups with 24 replicates per group and 15 eggs per replicate. The differences between groups were the storage duration of eggs (0, 7, or 14 d). We found that the Haugh unit, yolk weight, and eggshell weight decreased linearly, whereas the albumen pH increased linearly, with storage duration. Prolonging storage duration had negative effects on hatchability, hatching weight, post-hatching growth performance parameters, and gosling quality in a time-dependent manner. The analysis of the amino acid profile in albumen and newly-hatched goslings' serum showed that the amino acid content increased linearly with storage duration. Additionally, eggs stored for 14 d had the worst performance for all measured parameters. Therefore, we concluded that the storage of fertilized eggs negatively affects egg quality and post-hatching gosling quality. To produce high-quality goslings, it is necessary to shorten the storage duration for fertilized eggs.

Immunological, biochemical and pathological effects of vitamin C and Arabic gum co-administration on H9N2 avian influenza virus vaccinated and challenged laying Japanese quails

AimThis study evaluated the effect of co-administration of vitamin C and Arabic gum (AG) supplements on the response of vaccinated (VAC) and challenged laying Japanese quails with avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2.Materials and methodsOne hundred and fifty 49-day-old laying Japanese quails were divided into 5 groups (G1-G5): the G1 group was a negative control, G2 group was unvaccinated + H9N2 challenged (Ch), G3 group was unvaccinated + supplements + Ch, G4 group was VAC + Ch, and the G5 group was VAC + supplements + Ch. The supplements (vitamin C, 1 g/liter of drinking water and AG, 1% ration) were given for 5 weeks post-vaccination (PV). The birds were injected subcutaneously with an inactivated H9N2 vaccine at 49 days of age. The quails were then challenged intranasally with AIV H9N2 at the 3rd week PV. Blood, tracheal swab and tissue samples were collected at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks PV, and at different time points post-challenge (PC).ResultsGrowth performance, egg production (%), egg and eggshell weights, HI antibody titers, clinical signs, lesions, mortality, virus shedding rates, leukogram, biochemical and immunological parameters and histopathological lesions PC showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the vaccinated-unsupplemented (G4) group and the vaccinated-supplemented (G5) group. G5 showed the highest (P < 0.05) growth performance, egg production, HI antibody titers, and heterophil phagocytic activity and the lowest heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, mortality, virus shedding rates, creatinine level and histopathological lesion scores in the lungs.ConclusionThe co-administration of vitamin C and AG for 5 weeks can improve growth performance, egg production and the immune response in vaccinated laying quails challenged with AIV H9N2.

Effect of omega-3 on some productive and eggs traits of Japanese quail

The study was conducted to determine the effect of adding omega-3 fatty acid to the quail's diet on some productive and egg quality traits. This experiment was conducted in the poultry field, Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture and Marshes, University of Thi Qar, from 10/202021 to 02/14/2022. A total of 300 quail birds, 45 days age, were used, which was fed on three diet type, the first diet (control ration) without adding oil, the second ration was added to it with sunflower oil (0.01%), the third diet was added to omega-3 oil at a rate of (0.01%). The results showed that there were significant differences on the rate of egg production, egg weight and mass, feed conversion factor for egg production, egg shape index, yolk index, shell weight, yolk color and shell thickness for the treatment to which omega-3 oil was added in comparison with the rest of the treatments.

Assessment of Egg Quality of the Nigerian Local Pigeon (Columba Livia Domestica) in Gombe, Nigeria

The research was conducted to assess the egg quality of the Nigerian indigenous pigeons in three agro- ecological zone of Gombe state, namely; Gombe Central, South and North. 90 fresh eggs were randomly collected from these zones comprising of 30 eggs per zone to assess the external and internal egg quality of the domestic pigeon. Data were collected on egg weight, Egg length Egg width, Egg shell weight, Shell thickness and the Internal egg characteristics were albumen height, yolk height, albumen weight, yolk weight and Haugh unit. Results indicated that egg weight value were 14.052 ± 0.173, 14.385 ± 0.229 and 13.758 ± 0.99g in Gombe Central, South and Gombe North. The mean average of egg weight in the study area was 14.273 ± 0.1045g. However, egg weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by location. Gombe South seems to have a heavier egg weight compared to Central and Gombe North. Albumen height value was 5.6100 ± 0.0044, 5.6933 ± 0.032, and 5.4333 ± 0.063mm in Gombe Central, South and Gombe North. The mean average of the albumen height in the study area was 5.6401 ± 0.03082mm. There was a significant difference (P&lt;0.001) in albumen height across location. Yolk height value were 12.880 ± 0.12048, 13.206 ± 0.0475, 12.753 ± 0.12127g in Gombe Central, South and North, respectively. Overall yolk height was 13.0696 ± 0.06187mm, which was highly significant at (P&lt;0.001) for location. Haugh unit values were 93.897 ± 0.02318, 94.120 ± 0.2493 and 93.158 ± 0.3237 in Gombe Central, South and North, respectively. However, there was a significant difference (P &lt;0.01) in Haugh unit for location effect. Most correlation values were significant at 1%. However, a few were correlated at 5%. Egg weight is correlated with egg length (0.499; P&lt;0.01), shell weight (0.28; P&lt;0.01) and Haugh unit (-0.278; P&lt;0.05). Albumen height was correlated with yolk length (0.23; P&lt;0.05) and Haugh unit (0.0928; P&lt;0.01). Conclusively, the high egg qualities are indication of good reproductive performance in the pigeons. Since most correlated responses were positive, selection for a particular egg characteristic could lead to positive responses in others and such correlated responses could be used to hasten selection processes to improve the pigeons.

Study of the Egg Attributes of the Japanese Quail (Cortunix Cortunix Japonica) Raised in Gombe State, Nigeria

The egg attributes of the Nigerian indigenous quail were studied in three agro- ecological zone of Gombe state, namely; Gombe Central, South and North to assess the external and internal attributes of the egg. 90 fresh eggs were randomly collected from these zones comprising of 30 eggs per zone from quail farmers for assessment. Data were collected on egg weight, egg length egg width, egg shell weight, shell thickness and the internal egg characteristics were albumen height, yolk height, albumen weight, yolk weight and Haugh unit. Results indicated that egg weight values were 9.807±0.117, 9.942±0.130 and 10.004±0.114g in Gombe Central, South and North. Shell weights were 1.177±0.009g for Gombe Central, 1.193±0.010g in Gombe South and 1.206±0.012g in the North. Shell thickness showed that Gombe Central recorded 0.035±0.001mm, South 0.0252±0.001mm and North 0.0253±0.001mm with overall mean of 0.0286±0.001. Apart from egg width and shell thickness which were significantly different (P&lt;0.001) by location, other parameters of egg weight and length, shell weight and shell surface area were not affected by location. Albumen weights were 3.308±0.02, 3.288±0.03 and 3.327±0.03mm in Gombe Central, South and North. Yolk weight were 10.390±0.10g in Gombe Central, 9.550±0.12g Gombe South, 9.343±0.13g Gombe North with total average of 9.927±0.084g. Yolk heights were 3.692±0.013, 3.448±0.04, and 3.426±0.03mm in Gombe Central, South and North, respectively. Haugh unit of 80.021±0.26 were recorded in Gombe Central, 78.925±0.26 in the South and 78.614±0.26 in the North of Gombe, the overall Haugh unit was 79.507±0.161, respectively. Apart from egg weight which was not significant, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height and Haugh unit were significantly (P&lt;0.001) affected by location. Egg weight was correlated with egg length (0.796; P&lt;0.01), shell weight (0.226; P&lt;0.05) and Haugh unit (-0.461; P&lt;0.01). Albumen weight was correlated with Haugh unit (0.240; P&lt;0.05). Yolk weight was correlated with yolk height (0.300; P&lt;0.01), and Haugh unit (0.269; P&lt;0.05). The findings reveal that the quail in the study area has good egg and reproductive attributes and the positive correlated responses can help breeders for quick selection for further genetic improvement.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EGGMORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF HENS OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES

The paper shows the results of assessing the quality of eggs according to morphometric and morphological parameters of purebred hens of meat and egg productivity, as well as their crossbreeds of the first generation in order to compare them, to identify significant differences in egg quality, with subsequent application of the results for forecasts of hatching house work for obtaining of a model population of chickens and the possibility to search for candidate genes responsible for the commercial qualities of eggs. Collection of morphological and biophysical parameters was carried out on a highly sensitive analyzer Stable Micro Systems, laboratory electronic scales Ohaus and using caliper. Analysis of eggs obtained from 3 groups of analogue hens, namely Russian white (egg), Cornish white (meat) hens and their F1 offspring at the age of 44-52 weeks, showed their compliance with incubation and commercial quality parametres. Significant differences were established between the experimental groups in terms of shape index and egg weight, shell weight, and dense protein weight. A significant difference was found in regards to shell thickness: crossbred individuals were 10% inferior to their purebred analogues. As far as shell color is concerned, crossbred hens inherited characteristics from both parent breeds. Analysis of liquid components of the egg showed the genotype influence only on yolk index, whereasyolk color and protein quality according to Haugh units were without significant differences. Crossing Cornish meat breed and Russian White egg breed does not adversely affect the quality of the eggs. The obtained result confirms to some extent the splitting of genes when obtaining a model population of chickens by crossing parental individuals of opposite directions of productivity.

Influence of Feeding Natural and Synthetic Lycopene on Performance, Egg Quality and Serum Parameters of Japanese Quail Layers

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of natural and synthetic sources of lycopene on performance, egg quality and some blood characteristics of Japanese quail layers. Methods: The 252 eight-week-old quail hens were randomly divided into seven treatments with three replication. The first treatment was fed basal diet (control). Second and third treatments were given diets containing tomato fruit powder (TOM) at a level of 17 and 34 g/kg equal to 50 and 100 mg/kg lycopene, fourth and fifth treatments were given red bell pepper fruit powder (RBP) at level 16.23, 32.46 g/kg equal to 50 and 100 mg/kg lycopene, while synthetic lycopene powder at a rate of 50, 100 (mg/kg) was supplemented to sixth and seventh respectively. Result: The final body (T4-T6), hen day egg production (except for T3 and T6), egg weight, egg mass (T4, T5), feed intake, FCR were improved as compared to control. Significant effect on the weight of eggshell, yolk, albumen and albumen (height and diameter). Yolk (height, diameter, index) improved as compared to control. Significant (P≤0.05) increase in total protein and HDL, while cholesterol (except T2 and T7), triglycerides (except T2) and LDL were decreased significantly (P≤0.05). It could be concluded that supplementary TOM, RBP and LY, have beneficial effects on laying performance, egg quality traits and some biochemical indices of quails.