Modelling the egg components and internal cycle length of laying hens

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 420 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. C. P. Bendezu ◽  
N. K. Sakomura ◽  
E. B. Malheiros ◽  
R. M. Gous ◽  
N. T. Ferreira ◽  
...  

A model that can estimate the changes that occur to the composition of egg components over time is an important tool for the nutritionists, since it can provide information about the nutrients required by a laying hen to achieve her potential egg output. In this context, the present study was aimed to model the potential egg production of laying hens during the egg-production period. One hundred and twenty Hy-Line W36 and ISA-Brown layers were used from 18 to 60 weeks of age, with each bird being an experimental unit. The birds were housed in individual cages during the experimental period. Egg production (%), egg weight (g) and the weight of egg components were recorded for each bird. The data were used to calculate the parameters of equations for predicting the weights of yolk, albumen and shell, and for predicting internal cycle length. The predicted results were evaluated by regressing residual (observed minus predicted) values of the predicted values centred of their average value. The equations for predicting mean yolk weight with age are for Hy-Line W36 (y1) and ISA-Brown (y2) respectively. Albumen and shell weights for Hy-Line W36 were described by the equations 15.07 × (yolk weight)0.37 and 0.70 × (yolk + albumen weight)0.50 respectively, and for ISA-Brown, 21.99 × (yolk weight)0.24 and 1.60 × (yolk + albumen weight)0.34 respectively. The average internal cycle length over time for Hy-Line W36 (ICL1) is described by the model 22.95 + 5.24 × (0.962t) + 0.02 × t and for ISA-Brown by 24.01 + 10.29 × (0.94t) + 0.004 × t, where t is the age at first egg (days). The assessment of the results indicated that the equations for predicting egg weight were more accurate for Hy-Line W36 but less precise for both strains, whereas the equation models for predicting the internal cycle lengths were more accurate and precise for ISA-Browns. The models could predict the potential weight of egg components and the rate of laying associated with the internal cycle lengths, and, on the basis of this information, it is possible to improve the nutrient requirement estimated.

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 377-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Tůmová ◽  
J. Vlčková ◽  
D. Chodová

The differences in egg production traits in six laying hen genotypes (brown-egg hens Bovans Brown, Bovans Sperwer, ISA Sussex; white-egg hen Dekalb White; laying hens with tinted shells Moravia Barred and Moravia BSL) and the interactions of genotype and oviposition on egg quality were evaluated. The genotype affected the laying rate (P ≤ 0.003), mean sequence length (P ≤ 0.001), and time of oviposition (P ≤ 0.001). The brown-egg genotypes laid eggs approximately 1 h earlier than the white-egg genotypes and approximately 2 h earlier than the tinted-egg genotypes. Egg shell strength was the lowest in tinted-egg genotypes (P ≤ 0.001) and declined with the time of oviposition (P ≤ 0.002). Egg shell percentage (P ≤ 0.011) and thickness (P ≤ 0.011) were affected by the interaction of genotype and oviposition. None of the effects affected egg weight; however, the proportion of egg components was significantly influenced by the interaction of genotype and oviposition. The study confirmed that the differences in the egg production and egg quality of various genotypes are associated with the laying pattern.


2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 31-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Suchý ◽  
E. Straková ◽  
F. Vitula

The main aim of the study was to assess the effect of a diet supplemented with L-carnitine on egg weight and laying rate in hens of pheasant (<I>Phasianus colchicus</I>). The experiment lasted 14 weeks and was performed with 210 experimental and 210 control laying hens. The birds were kept in cages; one cock and seven hens per cage. Both control and experimental hens were administered the complete feed mixture, with the only difference that the feed mixture administered to experimental hens was supplemented with L-carnitine at a level of 0.01%. During the experimental period, eggs were collected and weight of individual eggs was determined. Control and experimental groups provided 8 039 and 8 499 eggs, respectively. The results showed that L-carnitine increased egg weight (<I>P</I> < 0.01) and laying rate. The effect of L-carnitine on egg weight and laying rate manifested itself until weeks 11 and 13, respectively. The average weight of eggs laid during the experimental period was (mean ± SD) 32.22 ± 3.03 g in the control group and 32.51 ± 2.83 g in the experimental group, with the overall laying rate being 44.29% in the control group and 47.30% in the experimental group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
A. A. Odunsi ◽  
G. O. Farinu ◽  
V. A. Togun

Two hundred and fifty caged commercial laying hens were induced to moult through a 15-day feed "and water withdrawal programme. Immediate and subsequent effects on egg production and follicular developments were monitored. Results showed that moulted hens attained over 60% egg production after 6 weeks of feeding with increasing egg weight, Post-moulting egg quality values were similar bul globulin were significantly increased (P<0.05). Changes in liver and oviduct weights were significant (P<0.05) while gizzard, heart, lung and kidney showed no significant (P>0.05) effects. Fasting produced alretic follicles even though follicular number was not appreciably influenced. Follicles were larger with a yellow-yolky appearance during laying than at the fasting period. Mortality of 2.4% was recorded throughout the experimental period. Moulting is a feasible strategy for maintaining egg production in aged, low-producing commercial layers. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kismiati ◽  
T. Yuwanta ◽  
Z. Zuprizal ◽  
S. Supadmo ◽  
U. Atmomarsono

The aim of this research was to evaluate calcium deposition in egg using eggshell flour as a limestone substitute in feed. Two hundreds laying hen of Isa Brown strain of 25 weeks were used in this study. Treatments were diet with 7.5% limestone as control (T0), 2.5% limestone is substituted with eggshell flour(T1), 5% limestone is substituted with eggshell flour (T2) and limestone is substituted with eggshell flour (T3). A completly randomized design were used to allocated the treatments with 5 replications of each. Each experimental unit consists of 10 laying hens. Parameters measured were egg weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, eggshell weight, calcium of egg (yolk, albumen and eggshell), length, weight and Ca of tibia bone. The results showed that substitution of limestone with eggshell flour had significantly effect (P<0.05) on eggshell weight, Ca deposition on yolk, albumen, and Ca of tibia bone but non significantly effect on egg weight, weight and percentage of yolk, weight and percentage of albumen, percentage and Ca of eggshell, length and weight of tibia bone. In conclusion, calcium deposition in yolk was the highest in the use of 7.5% eggshell flour to substitute limestone but obtained the lowest Ca of bone , while calcium deposition in albumen was the highest in the use of 2.5% eggshell flour.


2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 273
Author(s):  
André Ferreira Silva ◽  
Frank George Guimarães Cruz ◽  
João Paulo Ferreira Rufino ◽  
Waldo Mateus Plácido Miller ◽  
Nathália Siqueira Flor ◽  
...  

 This study aimed to evaluate the increasing levels (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4%) of fish by-product meal in diets for laying hens on performance, egg quality and economic analysis. A total of 160 Dekalb White hens with 52-wk old were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replicates of eight birds each. The experiment lasted 84 days divided into four periods of 21 days. Estimates of fish by-product meal levels were determined by polynomial regression. Differences (p < 0.05) were detected for all variables of performance, in egg weight, yolk and albumen percentage, yolk and albumen height, feed cost and production cost, in which the inclusion of fish by-product meal in the diets showed better results. It can be concluded that fish by-product meal can be used in diets for hens as alternative feed, with better results in egg production, feed conversion, egg weight, yolk-albumen ratio and a reduction in feed cost and production cost. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-476
Author(s):  
X.J. Yi ◽  
A. Rehman ◽  
R.W. Akhtar ◽  
A. Abbas ◽  
K. Hussain ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to appraise the effects on egg quality and production performance of laying hens when drinking water was supplemented with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). A total of 384 (64-week-old) Hy-line Brown laying hens were assigned at random to four treatments, which consisted of CON: unsupplemented drinking water; T1: drinking water + 2 mg/L Ca + 250 mg/L Mg; T2: drinking water + 4 mg/L Ca + 510 mg/L Mg /10 L; and T3: drinking water + 5 mg/L Ca and 760 mg/L Mg. The experiment lasted six weeks. Water intake increased linearly in week 1 with the rising levels of Ca and Mg in the drinking water. Increasing the Ca and Mg levels improved eggshell strength (week 2 (P =0.01), week 5 (P =0.01), and week 6 (P = 0.03), and eggshell thickness (week 6) (P =0.02) and reduced the rate at which eggs were broken (week 4) (P =0.01). The supplemental Ca and Mg did not affect egg production, egg weight, Haugh unit, albumen height, eggshell colour, and yolk colour compared with CON. Nor did they influence the Haugh unit and albumen height after storing for 1, 5, 10 and 15 days. In conclusion, adding Ca and Mg to the drinking water increased the thickness and strength of the eggshells.


1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
A.R. El Boushy ◽  
L.G.M. van Gils ◽  
M.C. Papadopoulos

Twenty groups of 36 laying hens in individual cages were fed on one of 5 diets in which the energy:protein ratio was constant. Diets 1 to 5 had crude protein 12.0, 12.9, 14.0, 15.0 and 16.0% and metabolizable energy 8.71, 9.57, 10.27, 11.10 and 11.70 MJ/kg. From 24 to 64 weeks old, egg production of hens given diets 1 to 5 was 71.46, 71.31, 72.51, 71.13 and 69.99%, respectively. Corresponding values of mean egg weight, weekly feed intake and efficiency of feed conversion were 60.51, 60.47, 61.11, 61.02, 61.07 g; 157.16, 147.56, 142.03, 130.37, 126.72 g; 3.674, 3.460, 3.262, 3.031, 3.014 kg feed/kg egg, respectively. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)


1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 757-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. LEESON ◽  
L. J. CASTON ◽  
J. D. SUMMERS

Three experiments were undertaken to investigate the coccidiostat, nicarbazin, on reproductive performance of layers. In trial 1, levels of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 125, and 200 ppm nicarbazin were fed to White leghorn laying hens for 5 wk. By the 2nd week of nicarbazin treatment, egg production was significantly reduced in birds fed 125 and 200 ppm (P < 0.05). Similarly, increasing levels of nicarbazin resulted in decreasing egg weights (P < 0.01) and feed intake was significantly decreased. However, by the 2nd week post-nicarbazin treatment, egg production, egg weight, and feed intake had returned to normal. Nicarbazin had no effect on egg shell deformation or body weight. Nicarbazin had a marked effect on hatchability; levels of 125 and 200 ppm reduced hatchability significantly (P < 0.01) as well as producing an increased incidence of malpositions and malformations. When nicarbazin was withdrawn from the diet, hatchability returned to pretreatment values although malpositions and malformations were still in evidence. Experiments 2 and 3 were designed to study the effect of nicarbazin on production of brown-shelled eggs. In the 2nd experiment 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 ppm of dietary nicarbazin resulted in significant loss of shell color at 20 and 40 ppm, whereas in exp. 3 with levels of 0, 80, 125, and 200 ppm, brown eggs lost virtually all their color. It is concluded that the adult White Leghorn bird can tolerate up to 125 ppm nicarbazin without significant (P < 0.01) loss of reproductive performance although lower levels show a trend for reduced production. Hatchability is depressed with nicarbazin levels in excess of 80 ppm, while trace levels will produce a visual loss of color in brown-shelled eggs. Key words: Layer, coccidiostat, reproductive performance


1959 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Pepper ◽  
S. J. Slinger ◽  
J. D. Summers ◽  
G. C. Ashton

An experiment was made in an attempt to determine the availability of the phosphorus in soft phosphate as compared with that in dicalcium phosphate for laying hens fed a diet of natural ingredients. A high efficiency "all-vegetable" diet containing 0.38 per cent total phosphorus and an estimated 0.11 per cent nonphytin phosphorus was fed without added phosphorus and with sufficient dicalcium phosphate or soft phosphate to supply 0.05 and 0.1 per cent phosphorus. The calcium content of all diets was kept constant at 2.4 per cent.The results indicated that the inclusion of supplementary phosphorus did not improve egg production or feed required per dozen eggs. Differences were not demonstrated in body weight maintenance, egg weight, specific gravity of the eggs, hatchability, or bone ash at the end of a 44-week period of production.The results suggest the possibility that egg weight loss after 14 days’ incubation may have been influenced by supplementary phosphorus. Evidence for this effect was not clear-cut and more work appears desirable in this connection.It is concluded that it is not possible to assay feed phosphates for laying hens with diets of natural ingredients. It would also appear that a level of 0.38 per cent total phosphorus and 0.11 per cent nonphytin phosphorus is adequate for laying hens.Supplementation of an "all-vegetable" laying diet with Vigofac did not improve egg production, feed efficiency, egg weight, egg-shell quality or hatchability.


2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 345-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sarica ◽  
S. Boga ◽  
U.S. Yamak

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of cage stocking density on egg yield, some egg quality traits and plumage condition in laying hens. Eighteen weeks-old 264 ISA-Brown pullets were divided into four cage density groups. The densities were 2 000, 1 000, 667 and 500 cm<sup>2</sup> per hen (by allocating 1, 2, 3 and 4 hens per cage; floor area 40 × 50 cm) with 48, 30, 24 and 21 replicate cages, totally 123 three-tier battery cages. During the experimental period from 18 to 53 weeks of age, all birds were provided illumination for 16 hours a day. The hens were fed a diet containing 11.7 MJ ME/kg and 180 g CP during the period of 18 to 40 weeks of age and 11.3 MJ ME/kg and 170 g CP during the period of 41 to 54 weeks of age. Feed and water were available for <I>ad libitum</I>. Egg yield, mortality, live weights at 50% egg production age and at the end of experiment, pecking related mortalities, some egg quality traits and plumage condition were recorded weekly. Hen-housed egg production, egg mass, viability, and live weights were significantly decreased by higher densities. Most of the egg quality traits were not affected by cage densities. Pecking related mortalities increased in cage densities of 667 cm<sup>2</sup> and 500 cm<sup>2</sup> per hen compared to the other densities (<I>P</I> < 0.05) while plumage scores were higher in all body parts of hens kept in cages of 2 000 cm<sup>2</sup> and 1 000 cm<sup>2</sup> densities compared to the higher densities. The results showed that brown laying hens should be kept in cages having 1 000–2 000 cm<sup>2</sup> densities in order to improve their welfare and performance.


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