Determining storage related egg quality changes via digital image analysis

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine some egg quality characteristics and storage related changes using computer assisted digital image analysis (CADIA) in an 18-month old moulted brown layer (Lohmann Brown) flock. A total of 150 newly laid eggs was randomly divided into two groups: eggs from the control group were broken immediately, while the remainder were stored at 18 ^oC and 55% RH for seven days. Area and length measurements related to exterior and interior egg quality were determined by digital image analysis. In general, excluding the outer thin albumen area, all of the area measurements such as total egg content area and inner thick albumen area were larger in stored eggs than in fresh eggs (52.28 vs. 49.37 cm², 114.36 vs. 137.13 cm², and 62.08 vs. 87.76 cm², respectively). Phenotypic correlations between some exterior and interior egg quality characteristics were also determined.


Key Words: Egg quality, Moulted brown layer, Storage, Digital image analysis


SA Jnl Animal Sci Vol.34(2) 2004: 70-74