scholarly journals Managing Free-Range Laying Hens—Part A: Frequent and Non-Frequent Range Users Differ in Laying Performance but Not Egg Quality

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence Zimazile Sibanda ◽  
Manisha Kolakshyapati ◽  
Mitchell Welch ◽  
Derek Schneider ◽  
Johan Boshoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Minor Importance ◽  
Range Use ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

Little is known about the impact of ranging on laying performance and egg quality of free-range hens. The aim of this study was to characterise egg production of commercial free-range laying hen sub-populations of low-, moderate- and high-range use at an early age. A total of five flocks with 40,000 hens/flock were investigated where 1875 hens/flock were randomly selected at 16 weeks of age, monitored for their range use and subsequently grouped into “stayers” (the 20% of hens that spent the least time on the range), “roamers” (the 20% of the hens that used the range more than stayers but less than rangers) and “rangers” (the 60% of the hens that spent the most time on the range). Eggs from the individual groups were collected in 10-weekly intervals until hens were 72 weeks of age, commercially graded and tested for several quality parameters. Significant differences were noted for hen-day production. For example, at 22 weeks of age, rangers enjoyed a laying rate of 88.0% ± 1.1%, while stayers performed at 78.2% ± 1.9% but at 72 weeks of age egg production of rangers was 85.1% ± 0.9% and of stayers was 95.5% ± 0.9% (p < 0.05). Range use was of minor importance to the egg quality.

scholarly journals Response of three laying hen genotypes to two feed calcium levels

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 504-510
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ketta ◽  
Eva Tumova ◽  
Darina Chodova
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Shape Index ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Eggshell Colour ◽  
Quality Measurements ◽  
Haugh Unit

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of two dietary Ca levels (3.00% vs 3.50%) in three hen genotypes (ISA Brown, Bovans Brown and Moravia BSL) on their laying performance and quality of their eggs. In order to evaluate the response to dietary Ca, an experiment was conducted with 300 laying hens. One hundred birds from each genotype were divided into 10 replicates (10 birds/cage/Ca level). To reveal the differences, the following characteristics were measured: hen-day egg production percentage, daily feed intake, egg weight, albumen and yolk weights, Haugh unit, eggshell colour, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, eggshell strength, egg shape index and eggshell index. A higher Ca level significantly increased the hen-day egg production percentage of Bovans Brown and Moravia BSL, while ISA Brown laying hens had the higher egg production percentage at a lower dietary Ca level (85.97% vs 82.41%). No significant effect of dietary Ca level was observed on any internal egg quality measurements except the Haugh unit. However, the dietary Ca level significantly affected some of external egg quality measurements, namely eggshell colour (P &lt; 0.001), eggshell weight (P = 0.003) and eggshell strength (P = 0.012). The results of the present study show that laying performance and egg quality parameters responded differently according to hen genotype and dietary Ca level. Bovans Brown and Moravia BSL laying hens required higher levels of Ca to keep egg production high, while the eggshell quality measurements were better at the lower dietary Ca level. Thus, it is recommended to adjust the Ca levels in feed to the nutritional requirements of laying hens.

scholarly journals The effect of dietary phytase and various available phosphorus levels on performance and egg quality in Japanese quail

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaella Rossetto ◽  
Maurício Barreta ◽  
Marcos José Migliorini ◽  
Fabíula Pecher ◽  
Lenílson Fonseca Roza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Shell Quality ◽  
Randomized Experimental Design ◽  
Phytic Phosphorus ◽  
Phosphorus Levels

SUMMARY Birds show poor utilization of phytic phosphorus in their diets because of the lack of endogenous enzymes to digest phosphorus and make it bioavailable. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate phytase supplementation in the diets of laying quails. Eighty quails were used in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and four replicates of four birds each. The treatments were as follows: 0.35% Pd; 0.20% Pd; 0.20% Pd + 500FTUs of phytase; 0.09% Pd; 0.09% Pd + 500 FTUs of phytase. The birds were housed in metallic batteries during a trial period of 21 days, for evaluation of egg production, egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion. After being collected, the eggs were sent to the nutrition laboratory of the department of zootechnics of the CEO/Udesc, where analyses of albumin, yolk and shell quality were performed. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and the differences between the averages were compared using the Tukey test at 5% of significance. No differences (P> 0.05) were observed in terms of performance and egg quality parameters. We conclude that the inclusion of phytase in the diet of laying quails can be accomplished without compromising the performance and quality of the eggs. Additionally, 0.09% of 22 disponible phosphorus can be used to grant adequate performance for 21 days.

scholarly journals Productivity and Egg Quality of Two Commercial Layer Hybrids Kept in Free-Range System

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. 1444
Author(s):  
Muhittin Tutkun ◽  
Muzaffer Denli ◽  
Ramazan Demirel
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Poultry House ◽  
Free Range

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance and egg quality parameters of two layer hybrids (Lohmann Brown and Atak-S) which were reared in free-range system. The experiment was carried out with a total of 300 laying hens. From 18 to 50 weeks of age Lohmann Brown (LB) and Atak-S (AS) were housed in two groups of 150 hens in a poultry house with a stocking density of 7 hens/m2. The 2 trial groups were formed from 10 repetitions each consisting of 15 hens. At the 20, 30, 40 and 50 weeks of ages, the production performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated. Mean daily feed intake and feed efficiency through the trial were 111.2 g vs 124.3 g, and 2.46 vs 2.58 respectively for LB and AS hybrids (P

scholarly journals Quality of eggs in different production systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 370-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Yenice ◽  
O. Kaynar ◽  
M. Ileriturk ◽  
F. Hira ◽  
A. Hayirli
Keyword(s):  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Protein Profile ◽  
Type System ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Family Type ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Cage System

This experiment was carried out to compare morphological egg quality parameters, as well as lipid and protein profiles, of brown eggs laid by chickens reared under different production systems: cage, free-range, and family type. A total of 270 brown eggs were obtained from commercial poultry companies raising Lohmann Brown laying hens in a cage system and free-range unit as well as families possessing hens in their yards. The egg lipid and protein contents, as well as lipid and protein profile, varied among the production systems. However, eggs from the free-range system had similar characteristics to those from the cage system. Quality of eggs from the family type system was quite variable. In conclusion, egg quality can be affected by the production system.

scholarly journals Impact of Ginger Root Powder Dietary Supplement on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Status and Blood Parameters in Laying Japanese Quails

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2995
Author(s):  
Zabihollah Nemati ◽  
Zahra Moradi ◽  
Kazem Alirezalu ◽  
Maghsoud Besharati ◽  
António Raposo
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Japanese Quails ◽  
The Impact

Medicinal plants with antibacterial effects have been used by humans for centuries. In the recent decade, due to the development of antibiotic resistant strains, many studies have focused on the use of natural compounds as feed additives in livestock. Ginger, among all, have repetitively shown numerous biological activities, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ginger root powder (GP) on the performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of Japanese quail. A total of 240 10-weeks old female quails were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 4 replicates, and 15 birds per replicate. Dietary treatment were basal diet (control) and basal diet containing 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg of ginger root powder. Growth performance and exterior and interior quality of egg were measured biweekly over eight-week period. At the end of experiment blood parameters were evaluated. The results showed that diet supplementation with different levels of GP had no significant effect on egg production, egg mass weight, and egg weight (p > 0.05). However, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly lower in the treatment group than the control in the whole period (p < 0.05). Egg Quality traits (shape index, albumen index, the percentage of albumen, yolk and shell, yolk pH, and shell thickness and strength) were not affected by the supplements in the whole trial period. Addition of GP significantly increased the albumen height, Haugh unit, and albumen pH in comparison with the control treatment (p < 0.05). GP reduced blood triglyceride level yet was ineffective on blood total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with GP, could improve productive performance and the egg quality of Japanese quails. Nonetheless a comprehensive study needs to be performed in order to evaluate the impact of quail dietary ginger supplementation on productive performance and egg quality and their stability during storage time for commercial use.

scholarly journals The Impact of Temperature and Humidity on the Performance and Physiology of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Da-Hye Kim ◽  
Yoo-Kyung Lee ◽  
Sang-Ho Kim ◽  
Kyung-Woo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
The Impact

We investigated the effect of different ambient temperatures and relative humidity (RH) with the same temperature-humidity indices (THI) on laying performance, egg quality, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT) concentration in blood, yolk, and albumen, and plasma biochemical parameters of laying hens. Commercial hens (Hy-Line Brown; n = 120), aged 60 weeks, were allocated to two environmental chambers. Laying hens were subjected to either one of two thermal treatments—26 °C and 70% RH (TLHH75) or 30 °C and 30% RH (THHL75) for 28 days—with the same THI of 75. Neither TLHH75 nor THHL75 affected laying performance, including egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Plasma biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were not altered by the environmental treatments (p > 0.05). As for stress indicators, both environmental regimes failed to affect blood H/L ratio and CORT levels in plasma, yolk, and albumen (p > 0.05), although albumen CORT levels were elevated (p < 0.05) in TLHH75 group at day 7. Hence, our study suggests that laying hens performed and responded similarly when exposed to either TLHH75 or THHL75 characterized by the same THI. These results can serve as a scientific basis for management decisions and handling laying hens under thermally challenging conditions.

scholarly journals Effects of phytogenic additive on production and quality of table eggs in early stage of laying cycle

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
M. Vekic ◽  
L. Peric ◽  
M. Djukic-Stojcic ◽  
N. Milosevic ◽  
S. Bjedov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Early Stages

The aim of this paper is to present results achieved by adding dietary phytogenic additive (Biomin? P.E.P. 125 poultry) on production and quality of table eggs in the early stages of laying period in commercial Hy Line Brown hens. The experiment was conducted from 16 to 28 weeks of hens age. During the experimental period the following parameters were determined every week : egg production, percentage of second grade eggs and egg weight. The examination of egg quality was conducted at 21, 24, 26 and 28 weeks of hens age. Based on the obtained results we can conclude that the addition of dietary phytogenic additive induced an increase in egg production and egg weight and reduced the percentage of second grade eggs. Significant effects of phytogenic additive on some egg quality parameters were not established.

Effects on egg production and quality of supplementing the diet of hens laying brown eggs with blood meal and magnesium chloride

1989 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-303
Author(s):  
H. Karunajeewa ◽  
S. Abu-Serewa ◽  
S. H. Tham ◽  
P. A. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Blood Meal ◽  
Magnesium Chloride ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Haugh Unit

SUMMARYIn a 2 × 4 factorial experiment, the laying performance of hens given diets with or without blood meal and four concentrations (0, 5·71, 11·43 and 17·14 g/kg) of added magnesium chloride was measured for 280 days. The inclusion of 50 g/kg blood meal in the laying diet reduced the rate of laying (P < 0·05), egg weight (P < 0·01), egg output (P < 0·01), food intake (P < 0·01), body weight gain (P < 0·01) and body weight at 457 days (P < 0·05). It increased the height of albumen (P < 0·05), Haugh unit score (P < 0·01) and shell colour intensity (P < 0·05) of fresh eggs. The inclusion of increasing dietary concentrations of magnesium chloride reduced (P < 0·01) the specific gravity of eggs but had no significant effect on any of the other egg quality or production characteristics. The dietary treatments had no significant effect on Haugh units of stored eggs.

scholarly journals Effect of diatomaceous earth on parasite load, egg production, and egg quality of free-range organic laying hens

2011 ◽  
Vol 90 (7) ◽  
pp. 1416-1426 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.C. Bennett ◽  
A. Yee ◽  
Y.-J. Rhee ◽  
K.M. Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Diatomaceous Earth ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Free Range

scholarly journals Comparison of Performance, Egg Quality, and Yolk Fatty Acid Profile in Two Turkish Genotypes (Atak-S and Atabey) in a Free-Range System

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1458
Author(s):  
Arda Sözcü ◽  
Aydın İpek ◽  
Züleyha Oguz ◽  
Stefan Gunnarsson ◽  
Anja B. Riber
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Fatty Acid Profile ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Fatty Acid Content ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acid Content ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
Haugh Unit

Consumer interest in buying eggs from animal welfare-friendly systems with outdoor access is increasing, leading to an increase in the need for knowledge on genotypes suitable for free-range systems. Two Turkish laying hen genotypes, Atak-S (brown, n = 210) and Atabey (white, n = 210), were reared in a free-range system from 19–72 weeks of age, and their suitability for the system was assessed based on laying performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid profile. Mean hen-day and hen-housed egg production were found to be higher in Atabey than Atak-S (p < 0.01). The brown eggs from Atak-S hens tended to be heavier than the white eggs from Atabey hens (p < 0.01). Brown eggs obtained from Atak-S hens had a stronger shell structure (p < 0.01), while white eggs from Atabey hens had higher mean yolk index, albumen index, and Haugh unit than brown eggs (p < 0.05). At 56 weeks of age, total saturated fatty acid content in yolk was higher in white eggs than in brown eggs (p < 0.01). These findings related to genotype could help free-range egg producers in their choices for more profitable production and for meeting consumer demands on egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid levels.

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