Livestock Studies 2001, Vol 41, Num, 2     (Pages: 089-100)

Comparison Of Egg Quality Characteristics Between Denizli and Commercial Layer Flocks

Fatih ATASOY 1 ,Esin Ebru ONBAŞILAR 1 ,Seval APAYDIN 2

1 Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Zootekni Anabilim Dalı-ANKARA
2 Ankara Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü-ANKARA
- This experiment was performed to study egg quality characteristics of a Turkish local breed Denizli, and a commercial layer flock. The investigation was started when the birds were 28 weeks old, and the experiment repeated four times at four-weeks-intervals. Egg weight, and egg quality traits including shape index, breaking strength, shell thickness, yolk index, white index, haugh unit and yolk colour were studied. The ANOVA indicated a statistically significant differences (P<0.001) among the repeated trials for all egg characteristics except white index in commercial flock in both genotypes. Shape index, shell thickness, white index and Haugh unit were found to be higher in commercial layer (P<0.01). On the other hand, breaking strength and yolk colour were found to be higher in Denizli fowl (P<0.001). No significant differences were detected in yolk index between two genotypes. However, the egg quality characteristics found in Denizli fowl were within the limits of standard figures suggested for hen eggs.

It was concluded that Denizli fowl has potential to be improve as enough variation were observed in respect of egg quality traits in the study. In addition, this breed may be a good genetic source for improving other breeds. Keywords : Denizli fowl, commercial layer, egg quality characteristics