Effect of Housing System and Calcium Content on Quality of Egg in Laying Hens
Year | 2015 |
Cathegory | Others |
Internal link | 15200.pdf |
Abstract | The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of housing system and feed calcium content on egg quality. The laying hens ISA Brown were housed in enriched cages, on litter and in aviary and fed two levels of calcium (3 % and 3.5 %) in feed mixtures during the whole laying cycle. Significant interaction between housing system and calcium content were found in the egg weight (P < 0.002), albumen index (P < 0.001) and eggshell ratio (P < 0.001). Heavier eggs were laid in aviary with 3% calcium whereas the lightest in cage with 3% calcium. The highest albumen index was in enriched cage with 3% calcium and eggshell ratio with 3.5 % calcium. Housing system significantly influenced egg weight (P < 0.002), eggshell deformation (P < 0.008) with higher values on litter. Albumen index (P < 0.001), yolk index (P < 0.001) and eggshell ratio (P < 0.001) were higher in eggs from enriched cages. Calcium content significantly influenced yolk index (P < 0.023) and eggshell ratio (P < 0.022) with higher values in diet with 3.5% calcium. |
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