Phenotypic correlation between external and internal egg quality characteristics in 85-week-old laying hens

TL;DR

This study investigates how aging affects internal and external egg quality in 85-week-old hens, revealing negative impacts on shell and albumen quality but not yolk quality, informing poultry management practices.

Contribution

It provides new insights into phenotypic correlations of egg quality traits in old hens, highlighting age-related declines in shell and albumen quality.

Findings

Negative correlation between hen age and shell quality

Albumen quality decreases with age

Yolk quality remains unaffected by age

Abstract

Background and Objective: Several studies confirm that the age of hens has a tremendous impact on external and internal egg quality characteristics. Egg production could be at serious risk if egg quality characteristics and age of hens are not seriously considered. This study was conducted to analyze the phenotypic correlations between some internal and external egg quality characteristics in old laying hens. Materials and Methods: A total of 288 eggs of 85-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were collected during 3 weeks and their internal and external egg characteristics were evaluated. Results: Phenotypic correlations between egg quality characteristics in old laying hens indicate a negative impact on shell and albumen quality but not affected yolk quality characteristics. Conclusion: This study helps to understand that raising laying hens above 80 weeks would have a negative impact on egg quality characteristics.