Production performance and egg quality of four strains of laying hens kept in conventional cages and floor pens

Abstract

Production performance and egg quality were compared between 4 strains of beak-trimmed layers: 3 commercial strains-Lohmann White (LW), H&N White (HN), Lohmann Brown (LB)-and a noncommercial cross between Rhode Island Red (male) and Barred Plymouth Rock (female) in conventional cages and in floor pens. All chicks were reared and 857 pullets were housed at 18 wk of age in their respective environments. Body weight, hen-day egg production, feed consumption and efficiency, and egg quality were measured at wk 20, 30, 40, and 50. In floor pens, the location of eggs was recorded for 4 consecutive days at 4-wk intervals between 20 and 50 wk of age. Eggs from cages, nest-boxes, and the floor were tested for Escherichia coli and coliform contamination at 38 and 42 wk of age. Mortality was recorded during the rearing and laying periods. Housing systems significantly influenced BW and mortality but not feed consumption or feed efficiency. The interaction between environment and strain was significant for hen-day egg production at wk 20 to 30 and for BW at wk 30, 40, and 50. Hens in floor pens had greater BW, egg and yolk weights, and yolk color than those in cages. Commercial hens produced more eggs than the cross hens. Overall, HN hens had the best production performance, whereas cross hens had better egg quality. In floor pens, LW and HN hens laid most of their eggs in nest boxes, whereas LB and cross hens laid half of their eggs on the floor. Eggs from cages had lower E. coli and coliform contamination than those from nest-boxes and the floor, and E. coli contamination was greater for LB eggs than for LW eggs. Significant strain differences were found for the use of nest-boxes, with a high percentage of floor eggs for brown egg strains. This study suggests that genotype x environment interactions should be considered when alternative housing systems are proposed.

Interaction between housing system and genotype in relation to internal and external egg quality parameters

“…= not significant ported by Mostert et al (1995), Leyendecker et al (2001a,b), Wall and Tauson (2002), Vits et al (2005) and Singh et al (2009). In the literature, the interaction between housing and genotype is described in both white and brown hybrids.…”

“…Eggs from hens on litter were heavier and this could have correlated with live weight and egg production. Singh et al (2009) described mainly the relationship between egg weight and live weight of hens.…”

“…Better measurements were received in deep litter housing than in free range. Singh et al (2009) revealed a significant 3-way interaction between housing, strain and age for yolk and albumen weight, albumen height and yolk colour.…”

“…Notwithstanding, Hartmann et al (2000) revealed Interaction between housing system and genotype in relation to internal and external egg quality parameters E. Tůmová 1 , M. Englmaierová 2 , Z. Ledvinka 1 , V. Charvátová the negative genetic correlations between egg quality and genotype. Main deviations in egg composition, egg weight and eggshell quality are between brown and white hybrids (Halaj and Grof ík, 1994;Heil and Hartmann, 1997;Tůmová et al, 2007;Singh et al, 2009). However, differences within brown egg strains have been described ) mainly in albumen and eggshell quality characteristics.…”

Comportamento de poedeiras criadas a diferentes densidades e tamanhos de grupo em ambiente enriquecido

“…A intensificação da indústria avícola durante as décadas de 1930 e 1940 fez com que a produção de ovos em gaiolas, em larga escala, se tornasse mecanizada (Singh et al, 2009). A criação em gaiolas levantou polêmicas acerca do bem-estar animal, em razão do reduzido espaço oferecido aos animais e da ausência de enriquecimento ambiental, que limitariam o repertório de atividades consideradas importantes para as aves.…”