Comparison of the Quality Characteristics of Hatching Eggs Obtained at Different Ages from Anadolu-T and Cobb-500 Parents**

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the quality characteristics of eggs obtained at different ages from Anadolu-T (A) and Cobb-500 (C) parents. Both genotypes were kept in the same house under similar rearing conditions, and a total of 1200 eggs were used from 552 females in 3 pens, obtained at ages of 34, 44, 54, and 64 weeks. As the age of the flock increased, egg weight, albumen height, egg width, and egg length increased in both genotypes, while the shape index decreased. Egg weight was 3 g heavier in C (p<0.05). Due to a similar situation in albumen height, the Haugh unit was found to be higher in C (p<0.05). While egg width and length increased with weekly age, the shape index value decreased (p<0.05). Although C had a higher shell thickness value (p<0.05), there was no difference in average shell breaking strength (p>0.05). The shape index was closer to the standard values in A, while it was higher in C (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that both genotype and age have a significant effect on egg quality characteristics. It was determined that A should be improved in quality characteristics that directly or indirectly affect broiler performance.

Keywords

• Parent stock
• Genotype
• Egg quality
• Anadolu-T
• Cobb

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