Determination of Genotype, Housing System and Age Effect on Egg Production and Quality Traits of Layers

Year 2025, Volume: 22 Issue: 1, 7 - 17, 25.06.2025

Bilgehan Yılmaz Dikmen , Merve Gündüz , Ahmet Kaşif Beytullah Faruk Sevinç

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of housing systems (free system-FR, conventional cage-CC and enriched cage-EC) on the egg production and quality traits of layer genotypes (Lohmann Sandy-LS, Lohmann White-LW and Lohmann Brown-LB) at 35, 45, 55 and 65 weeks of age. A total of 180 layers were used for egg production traits. A total of 45 eggs were analyzed for egg quality traits at each age period. The highest feed intake was in FR-reared LS layers at 35 wk of age (P=0.000). The lowest yolk index was in CC, and FR-reared LW layers at 65 wk of age (P=0.042). The lowest haugh unit was in EC-reared LB layers at 65 wk of age (P=0.041). The highest yolk color was in CC-reared LB layers and EC-reared LS and LB layers at 45 wk of age (P=0.009). It can be concluded that feed intake of layers, yolk index, haugh unit and yolk color of eggs are affected by the age and genotype of layers reared in different housing systems. The production and egg quality traits are affected by the age of layers. The genotype of layers influences the production and egg quality traits, excluding egg weight and yolk index. The housing system affected feed intake of layers and some egg quality parameters, except for yolk and shell weight, shell ratio, shell thickness, shape index and yolk color. The study could help breeders look for commercial genotypes for rearing in different housing systems.

Keywords

genotype, layer, system, production, egg quality

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Bursa Uludağ University Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee (Approval no: 2023-05/01).

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