Kafkas Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi
2023 , Vol 29 , Sayı 5
Comparison of Laying Performance, Egg Quality and Bone Characteristics of Commercial and Türk Laying Hen Genotypes Kept in a Free-Range System
1Bursa Uludag University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, TR-16059 Bursa - TÜRKİYE
DOI :
10.9775/kvfd.2023.29284
This study was designed to compare of laying performance, egg quality and bone
characteristics of commercial and Türk laying hen genotypes kept in free-range system.
A total of 720 laying hens (Atabey, Lohmann White, Atak-S, Lohmann Brown; n=180
hens/genotype) were used in the experiment. Production performance was determined
as the mean of egg production, egg weight, and FCR value between 54 and 66 weeks of
age. Egg quality parameters and bone characteristics of tibia and femur were measured at
66 weeks of age. The mean value of egg production was found to be higher in Lohmann
Brown and Lohmann White genotypes compared to Atak-S and Atabey genotypes
between 54 and 66 weeks of age (P<0.01). The brown eggs obtained from (Lohmann
Brown, Atak-S) genotypes tended to be heavier than the white hen genotypes (Lohmann
White, Atabey). The lowest mean value of FCR was observed in Lohmann White hens
ranged from during the experimental period. The Lohmann Brown and Atak-S eggs
obtained from (3.350 g/cm2 and 3.300 g/cm2) had a stronger shell strength compared to
the Lohmann White and Atabey (2.847 g/cm2 and 2.910 g/cm2, P<0.01). The breaking
strength of tibia was found to be higher in brown hens (366.0 N and 381.2 N) than white
hens (267.0 N and 322.2 N) (P<0.01). These findings related to different genotypes could
be instructive for arranging new management rules and nutritional advice for stronger
eggshell and bone strength of hens in free range system.
Anahtar Kelimeler :
Eggshell breaking strength, Egg production, Laying hen, Tibia strength, Turkish genotypes