Interspecific variations in external and internal egg quality among various captive avian species from Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Present study was planned to determine variations in external and internal quality egg parameters of different avian species including ostrich Struthio camelus, ducks Anas platyrhynchos, chicken Gallus gallus, turkeys Meleagris gallopavo and grey francolin Francolinus pondicerinus. All the birds were kept under similar rearing conditions. A total of 150 eggs were collected for each species to record external features of these eggs. Statistically significant (p<0.05) variations were recorded in egg weight, egg length and egg width between ostrich, ducks, chicken, turkey and quail eggs. Significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight, egg length and egg width was observed for ostrich eggs while the same was lowest for grey francolin eggs. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) greater shape index and egg volume values were observed for ostrich eggs while lowest shape index values were recorded for turkey eggs and egg volume was lowest for grey francolin. Significantly, higher (p<0.05) values of egg density were noted for eggs of the quail and the same were lowest for ostrich eggs. Non-significant variations in egg density values were observed between eggs of the ducks, chicken, turkey and grey francolin. It has been concluded that the positive correlations between the internal and external egg quality traits indicated that the traits can be improved through selection.

Association between Synonymous SNPs of SOX10 and Plumage Color and Reproductive Traits of Ducks

“…Egg traits included shell strength, egg shape index, Haugh unit (HU), and yolk color index, whereas reproductive traits included age at sexual maturity (ASM), body weight at sexual maturity (BWSM), egg weight at sexual maturity (EWSM), egg weight at peak production (EWPP), and cumulative egg production at day 120 (EP120), 150 (EP150), 180 (EP180), 210 (EP210), 240 (EP240), 270 (EP270), 300 (EP300), 330 (EP330), 360 (EP360), 390 (EP390), and 420 (EP420). HU is a measurement of egg albumen quality based on the height of the egg white and is calculated by the following formula: 100 log [10 H − 1.7w 0.37 + 7.6] [ 22 ].…”

Internal Egg Quality Traits of Chicken: Storage Duration and Strain Effects

“…According to Bekele et al (2022), egg weight correlates positively with egg length and breadth. However, Okonkwo (2014) and Sadaf et al (2021) reported little or no genetic correlation between egg quality traits, and the relationship remains fairly constant even as laying age progressed. This implies that neither the nutritive value of an egg nor the breeding value of a hen from color or other external characteristics.…”