Comparative analysis of egg qualities of Isa-Brown laying birds collected from three housing systems

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the egg qualities of eggs collected from Isa-Brown laying birds under three systems. 90 birds were allotted to three systems of three replicates and 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. External and internal egg qualities were examined at every 28 days, while the egg storage effects were examined at day 7, 14 and 21. Results showed that significant differences (p<0.05) existed between the systems and egg qualities. Highest egg weight (63.22 ± 0.93 g) was recorded in eggs collected from cage, while lowest egg weight (56.71 ± 1.11 g) was recorded in eggs collected from outdoor. Highest shell thickness (0.18 ± 0.01 mm) was observed in egg collected from outdoor, while lowest shell thickness (0.12 ± 0.01 mm) was observed in eggs from cage. Lowest pH (7.37 ± 0.05) was recorded on day seven, while highest pH (8.10 ± 0.04) was observed on day 21 in eggs collected from deep litter and outdoor systems, respectively. The results on egg qualities in relations to the rearing systems reveal that external and internal egg qualities were better in battery cage rearing system. On the storage period, egg consumers should strictly consider seven days storage period at room temperature in order to prevent nutritional and economic loss.