Some egg quality traits of two laying hybrids kept in different cage systems

Abstract

Interest has been increasing about enriched cages affecting the laying hens and the producers. Egg quality traits are important for economic impact. Whence, the purpose of this study was to determine the differences in egg quality traits of two laying hybrids reared in conventional and enriched cages at different ages. 532 Lohmann Brown Classic (LB) and 532 Lohmann LSL Classic (LW) hens were kept from 16 to 73 weeks in either conventional cages or enriched cages. Twenty eight eggs were selected randomly from each hybrid and cage group at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 wk of ages at from 08.00 to 10.00 o'clock to evaluate egg quality traits. For this aim, a total of 672 eggs were used. Egg weight, shape index, breaking strength, shell thickness, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh Unit were determined. Yolk index, albumen index and Haugh Unit in eggs of hens were reared in conventional cages were lower than those of in enriched cages. Egg weight, shape index and shell thickness were higher in eggs laid by LB hens. Layer age was affected all examined egg quality parameters. Consequently, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh Unit were enhanced by the enrichment of the cages and interactions among cage type, hybrid and layer age should be taken for the egg quality traits.