Research Article
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Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders

Year 2025, Volume: 22 Issue: 2, 55 - 60, 28.12.2025

Abstract

In this study, the effect of hatching eggshell colour on some incubation performance characteristics in broiler breeders were investigated. In the study, a total of 2400 hatching eggs obtained from two Ross 308 meat breeder flocks of the same age (29 weeks) and from different houses were used and these eggs were divided into two groups as brown (control) and white (Experimental) according to their shell colours and incubated. At the end of the incubation period, the rates of losses such as embryo deaths, discards, broken chicks, contamination, brain bursts, etc. were compared with basic performance traits such as fertility, hatchability and hatchability by means of breaking analysis. As a result of the study, lower mid-term embryo mortality, higher
fertility rate, hatchability of fertile eggs and hatchability values were obtained in the control group (p<.05). In contrast, early and late embryo mortality, the number of broken and discarded chicks, and the rates of eggs with contamination, transfer error, brain burst and fungus were similar (p>.05). As a result, it was determined that better incubation performance was obtained in brown-shelled eggs in terms of hatchability and therefore hatchability. It is thought that more attention should be paid to breeder poultry health for a higher and sustainable incubation performance and that similar studies including other poultry animals are needed.

Project Number

832184

References

  • Aviagen. (2021). Ross 308 parent stock: Performance objectives. Aviagen ltd. Newbridge, Midlothian EH28 8SZ, Scotland, UK.
  • Butcher, G. D. & Miles, R.D. (1995). Miles. Factors causing poor pigmentation of brown shelled eggs. Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet VM94. Inst. Food and Agriculture. Science., Univ. Florida, Gainesville
  • Elibol, O. & Ozlu, S. (2024). Embryo development and incubation. Poultry Science: Breeding, Feeding, Diseases (Ed. M . Turkoglu and M. Sarica). 1st electronic printing. 133-166p. ISBN: 978-625-97746-2-6. http://books.turkishpublishing.com/index.php/TURSTEP/catalog/view/16/14/66
  • Ishikawa, S., Suzuki, K., Fukuda, E., Arihara, K., Yamamoto, Y., Mukai, T. & Itoh, M. (2010). Photodynamic antimicrobial activity of avian eggshell pigments. FEBS Letters 584, 770–774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.041
  • Karaman, M., & Bulut, M. (2018). Effect of Hatching Egg Weight on the Performance of Hatchery and Post-hatching Characteristics for Japanese Quails. Journal of Agriculture and Nature, 21 (1), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksudobil.282557
  • Kaur, H., Hughes, M. N., Green, C. J., Naughton, P., Foresti, R. & Motterlini, R. (2003). Interaction of bilirubin and biliverdin with reactive nitrogen species. FEBS Lett., 543, 113–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00420-4
  • Kennedy, G. Y. & Vevers, H. G. (1976). A survey of avian eggshell pigments. Comp. Biochemical Physiology 55B, pp 117–123.
  • Kocabas, Z., Ozkan, M. & Baspinar, E. (2013). Basic Biometry. Ankara University Press, Ankara.
  • Mahawar, M., Altuntaş, E., & Gül, E. N. (2023). Mass Modelling of Eggs Based on Shape Index Using Regression Analysis. Journal of Agriculture and Nature, 26(1), 132-139. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.992588
  • Mertens, K., Vaesen, I., loffel, J., Kemps, B., Kamers, B., Perianu, C., Zoons, J., Darius, P., Decuypere, E., De Baerdemaeker, J. & De Ketelaere, B. (2010). The transmission color value: A novel egg quality measure for recording shell color used for monitoring the stress and health status of a brown layer flock. Poult Science, 89 (3), 609-617. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2009-00261 Minitab 2013. Statistical Software Release, Version 17.3.1. Minitab Inc. USA . Moreno, J., Osorno, J. L., Morales, J., Merino, S. & Tomas, G. (2004). Egg colouration and male parental effort in the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. Jornal of Avian Biology, 35, 300–304. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3677720
  • Schwartz, S., Raux, W. A., Schacter, B. A., Stephenson, B. D. & Shoffner, R. N. (1980). Loss of hereditary uterine protoporphyria through chromosomal rearrangement in mutant Rhode Island red hens. International Journal of Biochemistry, 12 (5-6), 935-940. https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-711x(80)90188-3
  • Shafey, T. M., Al-Batshan, H. A., Ghannam, M. M. & Al-Ayed, M. S. (2005). Effect of intensity of eggshell pigment and illuminated incubation on hatchability of brown eggs. British Poultry Science, 46 (2), 190–198. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071660500065789
  • Stocker, R., Yamamoto, Y., McDonagh, A. F., Glazer A. N. & Ames, B. N. (1987). Bilirubin is an antioxidant of possible physiological importance. Science, 235 (4792), 1043-1046. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3029864
  • Solomon, S. E. (1987). Egg shell pigmentation. In Egg Quality Current Problems and Recent Advances (Ed. R.G. Wells & C. G. Belyavin), pp. 147-158. London: Butterworths.
  • Sparks, N. H. C. (2011). Eggshell Pigments - from Formation to Deposition. Avian Biology Research, 4 (4): 162-167. https://doi.org/10.3184/175815511X13228269481875 Şekeroğlu, A. & Duman, M. (2011). Effect of Egg Shell Colour of Broiler Parent Stocks on Hatching Results, Chickens Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Internal Organ Weights and Some Stress Indicators. Journal of The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 17 (5): 837-842. https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2011.4630.
  • Tullett, S. (2009). Hatchery. Ross tech: Investigating hatchery practice. Aviagen Inc. Newbridge, Midlothian EH28 8SZ, Scotland, UK.
  • Turkoglu, M. & Sarica M. (2024). Poultry Science: Breeding, Feeding, Diseases. 1st electronic printing. ISBN: 978-625-97746-2-6. http://books.turkishpublishing.com/index.php/TURSTEP/catalog/view/16/14/66
  • Yurtogullları, S. & Elibol, O. (2011). Effect of Egg Shell Color on Some Egg Quality Traits and Hatchability (Thesis No: 299722). [Master Thesis (Supervisor: O. Elibol). Ankara University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences Animal Science Department]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.

Year 2025, Volume: 22 Issue: 2, 55 - 60, 28.12.2025

Abstract

Supporting Institution

Beypiliç

Project Number

832184

Thanks

The authors thanks to Beypiliç® for animal material and support.

References

  • Aviagen. (2021). Ross 308 parent stock: Performance objectives. Aviagen ltd. Newbridge, Midlothian EH28 8SZ, Scotland, UK.
  • Butcher, G. D. & Miles, R.D. (1995). Miles. Factors causing poor pigmentation of brown shelled eggs. Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet VM94. Inst. Food and Agriculture. Science., Univ. Florida, Gainesville
  • Elibol, O. & Ozlu, S. (2024). Embryo development and incubation. Poultry Science: Breeding, Feeding, Diseases (Ed. M . Turkoglu and M. Sarica). 1st electronic printing. 133-166p. ISBN: 978-625-97746-2-6. http://books.turkishpublishing.com/index.php/TURSTEP/catalog/view/16/14/66
  • Ishikawa, S., Suzuki, K., Fukuda, E., Arihara, K., Yamamoto, Y., Mukai, T. & Itoh, M. (2010). Photodynamic antimicrobial activity of avian eggshell pigments. FEBS Letters 584, 770–774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.041
  • Karaman, M., & Bulut, M. (2018). Effect of Hatching Egg Weight on the Performance of Hatchery and Post-hatching Characteristics for Japanese Quails. Journal of Agriculture and Nature, 21 (1), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksudobil.282557
  • Kaur, H., Hughes, M. N., Green, C. J., Naughton, P., Foresti, R. & Motterlini, R. (2003). Interaction of bilirubin and biliverdin with reactive nitrogen species. FEBS Lett., 543, 113–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00420-4
  • Kennedy, G. Y. & Vevers, H. G. (1976). A survey of avian eggshell pigments. Comp. Biochemical Physiology 55B, pp 117–123.
  • Kocabas, Z., Ozkan, M. & Baspinar, E. (2013). Basic Biometry. Ankara University Press, Ankara.
  • Mahawar, M., Altuntaş, E., & Gül, E. N. (2023). Mass Modelling of Eggs Based on Shape Index Using Regression Analysis. Journal of Agriculture and Nature, 26(1), 132-139. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.992588
  • Mertens, K., Vaesen, I., loffel, J., Kemps, B., Kamers, B., Perianu, C., Zoons, J., Darius, P., Decuypere, E., De Baerdemaeker, J. & De Ketelaere, B. (2010). The transmission color value: A novel egg quality measure for recording shell color used for monitoring the stress and health status of a brown layer flock. Poult Science, 89 (3), 609-617. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2009-00261 Minitab 2013. Statistical Software Release, Version 17.3.1. Minitab Inc. USA . Moreno, J., Osorno, J. L., Morales, J., Merino, S. & Tomas, G. (2004). Egg colouration and male parental effort in the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. Jornal of Avian Biology, 35, 300–304. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3677720
  • Schwartz, S., Raux, W. A., Schacter, B. A., Stephenson, B. D. & Shoffner, R. N. (1980). Loss of hereditary uterine protoporphyria through chromosomal rearrangement in mutant Rhode Island red hens. International Journal of Biochemistry, 12 (5-6), 935-940. https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-711x(80)90188-3
  • Shafey, T. M., Al-Batshan, H. A., Ghannam, M. M. & Al-Ayed, M. S. (2005). Effect of intensity of eggshell pigment and illuminated incubation on hatchability of brown eggs. British Poultry Science, 46 (2), 190–198. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071660500065789
  • Stocker, R., Yamamoto, Y., McDonagh, A. F., Glazer A. N. & Ames, B. N. (1987). Bilirubin is an antioxidant of possible physiological importance. Science, 235 (4792), 1043-1046. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3029864
  • Solomon, S. E. (1987). Egg shell pigmentation. In Egg Quality Current Problems and Recent Advances (Ed. R.G. Wells & C. G. Belyavin), pp. 147-158. London: Butterworths.
  • Sparks, N. H. C. (2011). Eggshell Pigments - from Formation to Deposition. Avian Biology Research, 4 (4): 162-167. https://doi.org/10.3184/175815511X13228269481875 Şekeroğlu, A. & Duman, M. (2011). Effect of Egg Shell Colour of Broiler Parent Stocks on Hatching Results, Chickens Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Internal Organ Weights and Some Stress Indicators. Journal of The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 17 (5): 837-842. https://doi.org/10.9775/kvfd.2011.4630.
  • Tullett, S. (2009). Hatchery. Ross tech: Investigating hatchery practice. Aviagen Inc. Newbridge, Midlothian EH28 8SZ, Scotland, UK.
  • Turkoglu, M. & Sarica M. (2024). Poultry Science: Breeding, Feeding, Diseases. 1st electronic printing. ISBN: 978-625-97746-2-6. http://books.turkishpublishing.com/index.php/TURSTEP/catalog/view/16/14/66
  • Yurtogullları, S. & Elibol, O. (2011). Effect of Egg Shell Color on Some Egg Quality Traits and Hatchability (Thesis No: 299722). [Master Thesis (Supervisor: O. Elibol). Ankara University Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences Animal Science Department]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center.
There are 18 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Zootechny (Other)
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Emir Hisarcıklıoğlu

Nezih Okur 0000-0003-2431-0313

Project Number 832184
Submission Date September 22, 2025
Acceptance Date November 25, 2025
Publication Date December 28, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 22 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Hisarcıklıoğlu, E., & Okur, N. (2025). Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders. Journal of Poultry Research, 22(2), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.34233/jpr.1833638
AMA Hisarcıklıoğlu E, Okur N. Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders. JPR. December 2025;22(2):55-60. doi:10.34233/jpr.1833638
Chicago Hisarcıklıoğlu, Emir, and Nezih Okur. “Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders”. Journal of Poultry Research 22, no. 2 (December 2025): 55-60. https://doi.org/10.34233/jpr.1833638.
EndNote Hisarcıklıoğlu E, Okur N (December 1, 2025) Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders. Journal of Poultry Research 22 2 55–60.
IEEE E. Hisarcıklıoğlu and N. Okur, “Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders”, JPR, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 55–60, 2025, doi: 10.34233/jpr.1833638.
ISNAD Hisarcıklıoğlu, Emir - Okur, Nezih. “Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders”. Journal of Poultry Research 22/2 (December2025), 55-60. https://doi.org/10.34233/jpr.1833638.
JAMA Hisarcıklıoğlu E, Okur N. Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders. JPR. 2025;22:55–60.
MLA Hisarcıklıoğlu, Emir and Nezih Okur. “Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders”. Journal of Poultry Research, vol. 22, no. 2, 2025, pp. 55-60, doi:10.34233/jpr.1833638.
Vancouver Hisarcıklıoğlu E, Okur N. Effect of Eggshell Colour on Incubation Performance in Broiler Breeders. JPR. 2025;22(2):55-60.

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Print ISSN:1302-3209 - Online ISSN:2147-9003

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