Mean Egg Weight Research Articles

Comparative fertility and hatchability of broiler grandparent stocks in Bangladesh

Checking the fertility and hatchability of broiler grandparent lines is important for improving chicken production. The Cobb-500, Ross-308, and Indian River (IR) grandparent strains were studied to determine their initial egg weight, fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, hatching weight, and chick survival rates. We studied a total of 2700 eggs from three different age/treatment, each consisting of three replicates with 100 eggs for each of the three genotypes. Using an automated incubator, eggs were incubated. Cobb-500 had a significantly higher mean egg weight (67.52 g) at later stage of their age compared to Ross-308 (64.22 g) and IR (65.05 g). Study also found that a higher egg weight reflects a higher day-old chick weight. The fertility rates of the Ross-308, IR, and Cobb-500 genotypes were high at 35 weeks (96.00%, 87.00%, and 93.00%) but declined after 45 weeks (64.22%, 65.05%, and 67.52%), respectively. The hatchability of Ross-308, IR, and Cobb-500 eggs at 35 weeks was 85.00%, 75.00%, and 80.00%, respectively. By 45 weeks, all genotypes had higher hatchability, with Ross-308 having the highest at 89%. But at 55 weeks, all genotype showed lowest hatchability where IR was the lowest 67%. Statistically significant variations were observed across strains at later stage. As age increased, embryonic mortality and brood mortality were higher. Compared to the other two, Ross-308 showed the lowest mortality in both embryonic and brooding cases in all three stages of their age of life. However, the IR breed consistently displayed the highest mortality rate. Same pattern showed dead in shell and culling chick’s percentages. Strain-wise, the parameters differ from each other. However, regarding overall performance, the Ross-308 strain outperformed the other two strains. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2024, 8(2), 48-57

Effects of Housing Systems on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Tonic Immobility and Feather Score in Laying Hens.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of different housing systems on production performance, egg quality and welfare in laying hens. One hundred and twenty 42-week-old "Atak S" laying hens, purchased from a manufacturing company, were randomly assigned to 4 housing systems: conventional cages, furnished cages, deep-litter system and free-range. Each system housed 30 hens, which were kept in these systems for 6 weeks. Parameters regarding production performance, egg quality, plumage condition scores and tonic immobility were assessed at the end of the housing period. Egg production and egg mass were lower in cage-free rearing systems than in caged systems. Mean egg weight in free-range hens, and albumen height and Haugh unit in deep-litter hens, were lower than in other housing systems. Eggshell weight in hens housed in furnished cages was greater than in free-range hens, while eggshell strength was better compared to that of hens in conventional cages. The housing system did not impact fearfulness; however, the deep-litter housing increased the sensitivity to touch or capture. Whole body and regional plumage condition scores of free-range hens elicited more favourable results than those kept in conventional cages. Because the plumage condition indicates welfare, the results proved the superiority of free-range over conventional rearing regarding welfare. Concerning the parameters, such as egg production, animal welfare and fear level, overall data revealed the pros and cons of all housing systems investigated. We consider that this study's findings might contribute to the researchers and breeders seeking alternative housing for laying hens.

Effects of Panax ginseng root meal as feed additive on reproductive performance of Cameroon kabir hens

The Cameroon Kabir chicken has several production traits which makes it desirable by many farmers and hobbyists. This study was aimed at evaluating the potential of P. ginseng as a feed additive in the diet of Cameroon kabir hens reared under intensive conditions. A total of 84 kabir chickens were weighed and assigned to four dietary treatments. The birds in T0 were fed the control diet (0 % PGRM), while those in T1, T2, T3, were fed diets containing 0.5, 0.75 and 1 % PGRM respectively. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the egg lay, egg mass and hen-day egg production of the birds between the 0.5 % and 0.75 % PGRM groups. The 0.75 % PGRM group recorded the highest mean egg weight, and it was significantly (p < 0.05) different from the other PGRM groups, but similar (p > 0.05) to the control. There was also a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the hatchability percent between the 0.5 % and 0.75 % treatments groups, with the 0.5 % group recording the highest hatchability percent of 65.14 %, and the 0.75 % group recording the least hatchability percent of 12.94 %. Results for the chick hatching weights showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the 0.75 % PGRM group and the control. In conclusion, P. ginseng as a feed additive in the diet of Cameroon kabir hens at 0.5 % improved their reproductive performance, and also improved the survivability of their offspring better but not in the number of eggs laid by chicks

Performance Evaluation of Lohman Brown Commercial Layer Chicken Breeds Under On-Station Management at Pawe, Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia

This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of Lohman Brown under on-station conditions at Pawe Agricultural Research Center. To evaluate the breed production performance and to generate information for private commercial farms and multiplication centers. A total of 100 (sixty-day-old) chicks and commercial layer feed were purchased from Alema poultry farm in Bishoftu. Vaccinations were administered to the chicks while bio-security measures were employed throughout the experimental period (83 weeks). Daily feed intake, body weight, feed conversion rate, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and mortality, were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics free R-4.0.4 software. Average feed intake during the growing period (10-20 weeks) 59.29g/head and in the layer period (21-72weeks) 117.26g/head/day. The average feed conversion rate at12, 16 and 20weeks of age was 8.85, 8.23 and 7.35 respectively. Average body weight at age at first egg lay and peak egg production were 1368.6 and 1553.9g/head respectively. Average daily weight gain at 10-12, 12-16, and 16- 20 weeks of age was 5.43, 7.22 and 11.09g/bird respectively. Age at first and 5% egg-laying were recorded at the beginning of 21weeks (141days). Age at 50% and peak egg production were recorded at 22 weeks (151 days) and 36weeks. The average HHEP (90.71) and HDEP (92.03) were recorded at peak production, while the overall percentage of lay from 21-72(52) weeks of age were HHEP (74.77%) and HDEP (78.28%). The total amount of egg production from 21-72(52) weeks of age in terms of HHEP and HDEP was 272.2 and 284.93egg/hen/year. Average egg weight at age at first egg lay, 50% egg lay and peak egg production were 47.43, 51.5 and 57.03g. Overall mean egg weight from 21-72(52) weeks of age was 57.81g. The average daily egg mass at the age of first egg lay, 50% egg lay and peak egg production were 7.59, 25.68, and 52.48g. On the other hand, the overall mean daily egg mass from 21-72(52) weeks of age was 45.38g. The average feed conversion rate and feed conversion efficiency for egg mass from 21-72 weeks were 2.64 and 0.387. There was no mortality record up to 28 weeks but, the overall mortality rate was 10% up to 83 weeks. The higher egg production and lower mortality record showed that the breed is adapted in the study area. Lohman Brown is recommended for users with basic input packages and on-farm evaluation of chickens should be done.

Comparative Study of Egg Quality Traits of Sasso Chicken Breed under Different Management Systems and Phenotypic Correlation of Egg Parameters in Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the egg quality traits of Sasso chicken breed under different managements. For the experiment 160 fresh eggs form differently managed Sasso chickens (100 from on-station and 60 from on-farm) were randomly taken. The fresh eggs collected from farmers in Yirgalem were brought to Hawassa University poultry farm for quality measurement and the eggs collected from poultry farm of College of Agriculture in Hawassa University were separately determined. The recorded data was analyzed using SAS (ver. 9.4). Management system difference has a significant influence on more than half of studied external traits such as egg weight, egg length, egg width, shell thickness and egg surface area. The Sasso chickens managed under intensive system had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher mean egg weight (59.0g), egg length (57.5mm), egg width (42.2mm) and egg surface area (84.7mm2) than the same chicken breed reared under farmers management system. There was a significant difference in albumen weight, albumen height, yolk height, albumen ratio, yolk index, yolk albumen ratio and Hough unit for the eggs collected from the Sasso chickens under different management system. Egg weight has a highly significant and strong positive (p&lt;.0001) phenotypic correlation with egg surface area (0.99), egg length (0.65), egg width (0.72) and shell weight (0.52). Albumen weight has significant correlation with all the studied internal egg quality parameters. It has the negative correlation with yolk ratio (-0.14) and yolk albumen ratio (-0.69). There was a variation for egg quality traits of Sasso chicken in different management systems where the on-station management system is better.

The British Ixworth: individual growth and egg production of a purebred dual-purpose chicken

ABSTRACT 1. Killing male one-day-old chicks, especially from layer lines, is banned in some European countries. Therefore, dual-purpose chickens, where each sex is used for meat and egg production, respectively, offer an alternative production solution. This study evaluated the British purebred breed Ixworth as a dual-purpose chicken for meat and egg production. 2. Ixworth chicks (n = 167) were hatched and reared mixed-sex in a floor housing system, with two groups receiving a commercial pullet diet (treatment 1) and two groups receiving a diet composed for males of layer lines (treatment 2). Individual chick performance data were recorded. Males were slaughtered at 12 weeks of age, and their growth rate and carcase variables were analysed. All hens were continuously reared on the pullet diet and kept in a free-range system from 20 weeks old for one laying period (52 weeks). In addition, group-based feed consumption and mortality were recorded. 3. Cockerels in treatment 1 and 2 showed significantly different [T(88) = −2.846, P = 0.003] growth rates (25.3 vs. 27.4 g/day) and average final weights (2166 g vs. 2344 g). The hens in treatment 1 (n = 41) laid an average of 193 eggs per hen housed (mean egg weight: 56.9 g), whereas those in treatment 2 (n = 35) laid 195 eggs per hen housed (mean egg weight: 56.5 g). Nest acceptance was >97.5% and feed consumption was up to 140 g/bird/day. 4. The results showed that the Ixworth may be a suitable breed for dual-purpose use and could be improved through selective breeding, offering potential for preservation of this local breed as well as general biodiversity in poultry farming.

Comparative Performances of Improved Poultry Varieties under Backyard Rearing System in Dhemaji District of Assam

Productive and reproductive performances in terms of body weight, age at first egg, egg production, egg weight, fertility, hatchability and mortality of Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster, Kamruapa and Desi chicken of Assam were studied under traditional backyard system of rearing. The Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster and Kamruapa birds were given to rear under the frontline demonstration programmes of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji to the women farmers of the district during 2020-21. The data on bird weights at different ages, egg weights, fertility, hatchability as well as mortality were collected and recorded and compared among the varieties. The data recorded from the study were analyzed as per standard statistical methods. The overall mean body weights were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in all the improved varieties than Desi chicken at different ages. There is also significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference of age at first egg among Vanaraja (182.05±5.52 days), Rainbow Rooster (175.08±6.13 days), Kamruapa (163.06±5.52 days) and Desi chicken (203.31±3.31 days). The mean egg production values up to 32, 40, 52 and 72 weeks of age in the demonstrated varieties were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than the corresponding values of Desi birds. The mean egg weights of Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster, Kamruapa at 32, 40 and 52 weeks of age were also significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than Desi birds. However, no significant difference was observed in mortality rates among the four groups at different ages. There was also no significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference in fertility and hatchability percent among the four genetic groups. It is concluded that Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster and Kamruapa birds are adapted well under traditional backyard rearing system in agro-climatic conditions of Dhemaji district of Assam with adequate economic advantages over the Indigenous birds.

Population size and breeding ecology of Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata, Dubois 1839) in Chelekleka wetland, Ethiopia

Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata) is a monomorphic African endemic dabbling duck protected by the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Water birds Agreement. This study was conducted to investigate the population size and breeding ecology of Yellow-billed Duck in Chelekleka wetland, Ethiopia from November 2020 to October 2021. Census was conducted during early morning from 6:30 - 10:00 hrs and late afternoon from 15:30 - 18:00 hrs twice per week when the birds are active. Direct observations as well as nest and egg morphometry measurements were conducted to collect data on breeding ecology of Yellow-billed Ducks. During the study period, eight active nests were identified and followed. Data were analysed using R version 4.2 software. A maximum of 315 individuals of Yellow-billed Ducks were counted, with a significantly high population size during dry season compared to wet season (Z = - 10.85, df = 63, p &lt; 0.001). The female Yellow-billed Duck built a nest made up of herbs, defoliated leaves, dried grasses and thin twigs. The nest is circular shaped with a 26 - 32 cm in diameter and 7 - 11 cm in height. They laid eggs that are light brownish. Clutch size ranged from 5 - 8 eggs. The mean egg length, breadth and weight were 45.38 ± 1.65 mm, 39.17 ± 0.58 mm, and 45.4 ± 1.7 gm, respectively (n = 21). The average incubation period per nest was 19 ± 0.82 days (n = 4) with a high hatching success (98.1 %; n = 53). Supporting a considerable number of Yellow-billed Ducks, Chelekleka wetland is ecologically important for breeding and other related ecological requirements of the species. However, anthropogenic factors such as; burning of nesting bushes, wetland degradation, and agricultural expansions are highly threatened their survival. Therefore, sustainable conservation intervention is needed to minimize the threats on the species and its habitat.

The Effect of [(D-Ala6, Pro9NEt)mGnRH-a + Metoclopramide] (Ovopel) on Propagation Effectiveness of Two Breeding Lines of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and on Luteinizing Hormone and 17α,20β-Dihydroxyprogesterone Levels in Females during Ovulation Induction.

The study evaluates the impact of Ovopel on the reproductive effectiveness of carp from Polish line 6 and Lithuanian line B and the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and 17α,20β-dihydroxyprogesterone (17α,20β-DHP) in females from these lines during ovulation induction. The levels of both hormones were determined in blood plasma samples taken just before the priming injection of Ovopel (0 h), at the time of administering the resolving dose of Ovopel (12 h), and after the next 12 h (24 h). Following Ovopel treatment, the mean egg weight obtained for line 6 was higher, but not statistically different, than that observed for line B. Egg quality, on the other hand, was significantly higher in line B. Female provenance did not significantly affect the number of eggs and living embryos after 70 h incubation. However, the total egg number for line 6 was higher. The mean number of living embryos (70 h) was similar for both lines. LH concentrations at 0, 12, and 24 h were not statistically different between the lines. A comparison of LH concentrations between ovulated and non-ovulated females at different sampling times revealed no significant differences either within or between the lines. Statistically significant differences in LH levels were found for both ovulated and non-ovulated females from a given line between the sampling times. The results for 17α,20β-DHP were similar, with only one difference: 24 h after the priming dose of Ovopel, 17α,20β-DHP levels in ovulated fish were significantly higher compared with non-ovulated females, but only in line 6.

Organic minerals, tributyrin, and blend of organic acids in the diet of commercial laying hens at the end of production

This study aimed to evaluate the responses in performance, egg quality, and health of internal organs of laying hens of Hisex White lineage. The birds were provided with diets supplemented with organic minerals (OM) + tributyrin, associated or not with a mixture of organic acids (benzoic formic, citric, and phosphoric), compared to a control treatment containing zinc bacitracin (28 ppm). In total, 160 laying hens of the commercial Hisex White lineage of 68 w and an average weight of 1.735 ± 0.025 kg were distributed in 40 experimental plots. The study employed a completely randomized design, with five treatments and eight replications/treatment. The experimental period was divided into seven production cycles of 21 days, totalling 147 experimental days. The variables analysed were egg production and loss, feed intake, mean egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion, and internal and external quality variables of eggs. At the end of the experimental period, the final weight of the birds was measured to evaluate the relative weight of liver and kidneys. No significant effect of the treatments on the productive performance and internal and external quality of the eggs was evident. The association of organic minerals with a mixture of organic acids and tributyrin did not influence the productive performance and internal and external quality of the shell of Hisex White laying hens in the period from 68 to 89 weeks of age.

Production performance of four lines of Japanese quail reared under tropical climatic conditions of Tamil Nadu, India.

This research investigated the growth and other production traits of four distinct lines (L1, L2, L3, and L4) of Japanese quail (Cortunix japanoica) kept in the tropical climate of Tamil Nadu, India. The traits related to body weight at different weeks and weight gain were measured in 180 birds (90 males and 90 females) per line up to the fifth week of age, and then 90 birds (females only) from the sixth to the 16th week of age, with egg production and feed efficiency parameters measured in 10 observations per line. The traits were analysed using the General Linear Model procedure, and Tukey's HSD was used to test for statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the means for subclasses under a specific effect. The results revealed a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) in body weight from hatch to fifth week of age. At 5th week of age, the L3 and L2 did not differ (p > 0.05) based on Tukey test; therefore, both presented the highest values and were statistically significant (p < 0.01) with L4 with a lowest value of 203.62g. The cumulative fifth week feed conversion ratio showed non-significant difference (p > 0.05) at first and second week, and highly significant difference (p < 0.01) from third to fifth week of age. The age at 50 per cent egg production was 60.2 (L4), 61.4 (L2), 65.1 (L3) and 66.0 (L1) days and the L1 egg production differed significantly (p < 0.01) from L4 line. The highest bodyweight (g) during the laying period (at 15weeks of age) was observed in L2 (327.08) and L3 (326.54) and differed significantly (p < 0.01) from L1 (309.24) as well as L4 (288.69) lines. The mean egg weight (g) of different lines showed non-significant difference (p > 0.05) at all weeks, except at 11th week of age (p < 0.01). The mean feed consumption (g)/bird/day differed significantly (p < 0.01) from 6th to 16th week of age, except at sixth and eighth week of age, where it was non-significant (p > 0.05). The overall feed efficiency/dozen of eggs (from 6th to 16th weeks) ranged from 1.33 (L1) to 1.98 (L3). The livability from 6 to 16weeks of age was 100 per cent in all the lines. In order to boost Japanese quail production in the tropics, L3 and L4 may be selected for body weight and egg production, respectively.

Reproduction parameters of hatchery reared grayling (Thymallus thymallus) females

European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) is an endangered salmonid fish species and its populations have decreased considerably in European waters in recent decades. One of the conservation measures applied to grayling is stocking with hatchery-reared fish. To advance the knowledge of grayling reproduction in the hatchery, husbandry data were systematically collected in the period from 2006 to 2015 during grayling spawning seasons and analyzed to quantify grayling female reproductive parameters such as fecundity, egg size, and embryo survival to the eyed egg stage. Data was collected for first time spawners (3 years old) and repeat spawners reared in the hatchery. Statistically significant differences were found for the number of eggs between first time spawners, producing on average 3600 eggs, and repeat spawners, producing on average 8000 eggs. Absolute fecundity was positively correlated to grayling female total length and weight for both first time and repeat spawners. However, relative fecundity did not correlate with these parameters. A positive correlation was observed between female total length and mean egg weight for repeat spawners, while the correlation was negative for first time spawners. Heavier eggs tended to have a higher rate of survival until the eyed egg stage, though the correlation was stronger for first time spawners than for repeat spawners. Due to the higher reproductive success of repeat spawners, it could be concluded that larger and older grayling females should be included in hatchery reproduction.

Reproduction of the Roman snail (Helix pomatia L.) from a local natural population in farm conditions and in a natural habitat

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the quality of clutches and reproduction results of two groups of Roman snails (Helix pomatia) from the same local population, laying eggs simultaneously in semi-natural farm conditions and in a natural habitat. The study material were Roman snails aged 2 or more years which had entered the third phenological season of their life and thus the first season of sexual maturity. Observations were conducted at an earthen enclosure in a greenhouse belonging to the experimental farm for edible snails at the National Research Institute of Animal Reproduction in Balice near Kraków (Poland) as well as at a site where a local population naturally occurs in the uncultivated park surrounding the Radziwiłł Palace. In the June-July season, differences among such parameters as weight of clutch, number of eggs in clutch, mean egg weight, and hatchling percentage when compared to the total number of eggs in the clutch were compared. It was determined that clutches of eggs from the natural population laid in the greenhouse were of lesser weight (P&lt;0.01), contained fewer eggs (P&lt;0.05), and the mean weight of individual eggs was less (P&lt;0.05) than in clutches laid simultaneously in a natural habitat. Both in the greenhouse and the natural habitat, in the first phase of laying eggs (June) the weight of the clutch and number of eggs its contained were greater than in the second phase (July). However, only for snails laying eggs in the greenhouse were these differences statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) and highly significant (P&lt;0.01), respectively. Statistically significant differences were not observed in hatchling percentage between eggs laid in the greenhouse and the natural habitat. The lower number of eggs laid in the farmed conditions of the greenhouse was successfully compensated for by the absence of mass destruction by rodents which occurred in the natural habitat.

Response of Egg Number to Selection of Different Genotypes of 24-bp Insertion-Deletion Locus in the Promoter of Prolactin Gene of Papua Local Chickens

This study aims to estimate the response of the number of eggs produced up to 240 days of age (EN240) to the selection of Papua local chickens (PLC) with different genotypes from the 24-bp Indel cPRLp locus. A total of 68 PLCs were taken randomly from several breeders in Manokwari as the basic population for selection (G0). Genotype identification of the 24-bp Indel cPRLp locus was performed G0. Based on the distribution of these genotypes, mating pairs were randomly formed G0-II, G0-DD and G0-ID to produce G1-II, G1-DD, and G1-Control (G0-ID offspring). Heritability of EN240 in G1-II and G1-DD populations were estimated in full-sib (single pairs mating). Individual selection based on breeding value EN240 was carried out on G1-II (♀) and G1-DD (♀) to form the selection generation (GS): GS-II (♀) and GS-DD (♀). Selection was also carried out on G1-II (♂) and G1-DD (♂) based on body weight at 240 days (BW240) to become selected GS-II (♀) and GS-DD (♀) mating partners. GS-Control was also formed through 25% random sampling from G1-Control (♂ and ♀). GS mating resulted in the second generation (G2): G2-II, G2-DD, and G2-Control. Age at first laying (AFL), EN240, and mean egg weight (EWA) in hens of G1, GS, and G2 were recorded. Response to selection for EN240 was calculated by two methods predicted selection response (Rp) and actual selection response (Rr). Both methods of calculation yield positive and high values. In actual response (Rr), PLC in II genotypes group are more responsive to the selection treatment than DD genotype group. Selection increase EN240 impact accelerate of AFL and lower the EWA, because of their negative genetic correlation.

PERFORMANCES OF THE INDIGENOUS CHICKENS OF NIGERIA AND THE APOLLO 1. EGG WEIGHT, RATE OF PRODUCTION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THEM

Data on the Ife Breed of the indigenous chicken and the Apollo, an imported commercial egg strain were analysed for effect of breed, time and generation of hatch, body weight at various ages, and age at sexual maturity on egg weight and rate of egg production to eight months. There were highly significant generation and breed differences, with a mean of 116 eggs for the Ife Breed compared to 106 for the Apollo over two generations. Other factors that significantly affected egg production were body weight and age at sexual maturity, and mature egg weight. Mean pullet year egg weight showed breed and hatch differences and were significantly affected by body weight and age at sexual maturity. Mean egg weight for the Ife Breed was 32.3 compared to 48.7 for the Apollo.

THE PATTERN OF EGG LAYING IN DOMESTIC FOWLS KEPT IN WARM HUMID TROPICS

Oviposition times, sequence of laying, lag time, laying intensity, egg weights and specific gravity of two commercial hybrids, Hypeco Gold Line (HGL) and Shavers Black (SB), were studied with 192 individually caged birds (96 of each) over a forty six day period. The most frequent sequence size was three for HGL and two for SB, the longest egg sequence for HGL was 43 while that of SB was 22. The interval between successive eggs ranged from 23.00 to 27.67 hours for HGL and from 23.56 to 27.80 hours for SB. The laying intensity was 72.10 and 63.54 per cent for HGL and SB respectively. The mean egg weight was 62.83 ± 0.38 g for HGL and 68.81 ± 0.39 g for SB; the egg weight tended to decrease from the first to the last egg in a sequence. The mean specific gravity of the eggs were 1.057 ± 0.003 and 1.056 ± 0.005 for HGL and SB respectively. The peak of lay was between 0900 to 1000 hours in both crosses with 99 per cent of all eggs being laid between 0600 and 1800 hours. Over 70 per cent of the eggs were laid before 12 noon in both Cases.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF LAYERS' DIET WITH MIXTURES OF DIFFERENT PEPPER SPECIES ON EGG QUALITY

&#x0D; Eighty-eight point of lay birds in 11 dietary groups were used to evaluate the effect of supplementation of commercial layer's mash(CLM) with various combinations of Capsicum annum 'atarodo' -RD) and C. frutescens (shombo-SH) at two levels on internal and external qualities of eggs. A feeding trial lasting 56 days was carried out at the end of which 88 intact newly laid eggs, 8 per treatment, were collected over 4 days and the physical characteristics determined. There was no advantage (P&gt; 0.05) of supplemented diets over the solely commercial diet on mean egg weight (g), maximal equatorial diameter (cm) , surface area ( cm2), shell weight (g), albumen weight (g), albumen index, Haugh unit and yolk weight (g). With the exception of diet 3 in which 0.25% of the CLM was supplemented with 60% RD + 40%SH, all other supplemented diets had significantly higher yolk colour rating than the control diet. Eggs laid by birds that were fed diet 6, 0.5% 50%RD + 5 0 % SH, had significantly higher percent yolk and yolk colour than those from birds that were fed the control and some supplemented diet combination. The physical characteristics of the eggs that were laid by birds on diet 6 were also comparable with that of those in other experimental diets, with or without supplementation.

Variations in reproductive and egg traits correlation estimates of two strains of Archachatina marginata snails (var. ovum and var. saturalis) and crosses

A study was conducted to ariations in the reproductive traits and egg traitscorrelation estimates of the two strains of Archachatina marginata snails (var. ovum and var. saturalis) and their crosses. Ninety sexually mature A. marginata snails, forty-five each of the two strains (var. saturalis and var. ovum) were selected from a base population for the study. he live weight of the snails ranged from 256.43 – 566.25 g for both strains. Selection of the snails was based on active appearance and lack of injury on the foot and on shells. The snails were randomly allotted into three mating models (treatments) of 30 each of var. saturalis, var. ovum and mixed strains (at 15 var. ovum : 15 var. saturalis). The models were designated as homozygous var. ovum main cross (AMO X AMO), homozygous var. saturalis main cross (AMS X AMS) and heterozygous (var. ovum x var. saturalis) cross (AMO X AMS). Each of the three models was replicated 15 times with two snails to a tub/cell for purposes of reproduction. Results from the study showed that the three mating models expressed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in the reproductive traits evaluated. Whereas some of the traits were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different between the AMO X AMO and AMO X AMS mating models, significant (P&lt;0.05) differences existed between all the traits when the AMS AMS mating model was compared with the AMO X AMO and AMO X AMS mating models. The clutch size ranged from 7.00±0.35 (AMS X AMS) through 9.40±0.35 (AMO X AMS) to 9.90±0.35 (AMO X AMO), while the values for mean egg weight at lay ranged from 1.59±0.03 g (AMS X AMS) through 1.78±0.03 g (AMO X AMO) to 1.79±0.03 g (AMO X AMS). Percent hatchability value was highest in the AMO X AMO mating model (93.30 %), followed by the AMS X AMS mating model (91.10 %), while the AMO X AMS mating model recorded the lowest value (88.50 %). Percent survivability value was highest in the AMO X AMS mating model (84.00 %), followed by the AMO X AMO mating model (82.00 %), while the AMS X AMS mating model recorded the lowest value (80.00 %). The egg traits correlation estimates (rp) revealed that except for one pair of trait each in the mating models, all the other pairs of traits expressed positive and significant correlation coefficients/values. The AMO X AMS mating model recorded the highest correlation (rp) value (0.826) for the pair of ELH vs EWH, while the AMS X AMS mating model recorded the lowest correlation (rp) value (– 0.058) for the pair of ELH vs CSE. The percent egg shell colour distribution showed that the shell of eggs laid by the homozygous crosses (AMO X AMO and AMS X AMS) expressed two colours. The egg shell of eggs laid by AMO X AMO mating model expressed mikado yellowand maize yellow colours, while those laid by AMS X AMS mating model expressed Mikado yellow and amber colours. The shell of eggs laid by the heterozygous cross however expressed three colours; mikado yellow, maize yellow and amber. Based on the reproductive traits results, it could be recommended that the AMO X AMS mating model be adopted by farmers for optimum production and returns on investment.

Influence of strain and production cycle on egg quality traits of two Nigerian indigenous chicken strains

Records obtained from purebred normal feather and naked neck Nigerian indigenous chicken strains were used to assess the influence of strain and production cycle on external and internal egg quality traits. The assessment commenced from first lay to 120 days of lay, classified into four production cycles (PC): PC1 (1-30 days of lays), PC2 (31-60 days of lays), PC3 (61-90 days of lays), and PC4 (91-120 days of lays). Mean egg weight, length and breadth were 4.34% heavier, 2.10% longer and 1.72% wider in the normal feather than in the naked neck (p&lt;0.05). No disparity due to strain effect was found in egg shape index. Eggshells from the two strains had similar weight but varied in thickness with shells from the naked neck being 0.02mm thicker than those from the normal feather (p&lt;0.05). Eggs from the normal feather were 7.13, 5.76, 5.00, 7.10 and 8.11% superior in albumen weight, yolk height, albumen height, yolk index, and albumen index, respectively compared to its naked neck counterpart (p&lt;0.05). Production cycle significantly influenced all external egg quality studied. An increase of 16.21% in egg weight was obtained by PC4. Egg length and breadth increased consistently with each subsequent PC (p&lt;0.05) whereas egg shape index decreased with PC (p&lt;0.05). Higher values were recorded for yolk weight, yolk and albumen length and width in each subsequent production cycle. Haugh unit, yolk and albumen height had best values at PC2. Our findings indicate that strain type and production cycle highly influenced egg quality traits of Nigerian indigenous chickens with the normal feather showing superiority. Furthermore, the best internal quality was obtained at PC2 (31-60 days of lay). Our findings could be useful in choosing selection criterion traits in breeding plans for the development of different layer lines of normal feather and naked neck.

Relationship between egg weight, hatching weight and subsequent body weight in the Japanese quail

An experiment to determine the relationship between egg weight, hatch weight and subsequent body weight of the Japanese quail was conducted. A total of 607 eggs collected over 6 days from an existing flock at the Animal Pavilion of the University of Ilorin were used for the experiment. Eggs were individually numbered, weighed and grouped into small (S) medium (M) and large (L) sized eggs based on the mean and standard deviation of the eggs. Mean egg weight were correlated and regressed with mean hatch weight and subsequent weight. Average egg weights were 10.23± 0.84g, 8.49± 0.72g and 6.94± 0.93g for the large, medium and small group respectively. The result showed relationship between egg weight and hatch weight were positive and highly significant (P &lt; 0.01) with values of 0.973, 0.977 and 0.967 for small, medium and large groups, respectively. Relationship between hatch weights and weekly body weights were also positive and significant (P&lt;0.01) for the medium and large groups only but decreased with age. Linear regression equation showed a significant coefficient of determination for weekly body weight using the values for small, medium and large egg weight values. The results of the study showed that egg weight can be reliably used for estimating body weight in Japanese quail and may be used as criteria for early selection of Japanese quail for body weight.