The Influence of Egg Shape on Gender and Abnormality of Kampung Chicks

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the influence of egg shape on the gender and abnormalities of hatched kampung chicks, conducted over one month in Wailela Hamlet, Ambon City. Using an experimental method with a quasi-experimental design, the study observed 120 kampung chicken eggs less than five days old. Data were collected by directly observing hatched eggs and chicks using hatching machines and digital scales. The eggs were cleaned, identified, and numbered before placement in a fumigated hatching machine. Ventilation and screening maintained temperature and humidity stability. The chi-square test (X2) analyzed the effect of egg shape on gender and abnormalities. The study's significance lies in its potential to improve breeding practices by understanding the impact of egg shape on hatching outcomes. However, the results indicated that egg shape did not significantly affect the gender or abnormalities of the hatched chicks. Consequently, egg shape cannot be used as a reliable criterion for selecting eggs to determine the gender or abnormalities of kampung chicks. This insight highlights the need for genetic or molecular techniques for gender determination and suggests further research with larger samples to explore other influencing factors.