Laying, egg quality and blood profile of native hens

Authors

  • Lukáš Zita Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
  • Adam Kraus Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
  • Ondřej Krunt Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
  • Karolína Machová Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
  • Cyril Hrnčár Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources
  • Eva Chmelíková Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Keywords:

cholesterol, egg-laying, Czech golden spotted hen, Oravka hen, oviposition

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess egg quality parameters for the whole laying period depending on oviposition time and breed of Czech and Slovak native breeds of laying hens. Besides, to determine the differences between selected breeds in laying pattern, related to the oviposition place. Furthermore, biochemical blood parameters were measured at the end of the study. A total of 60 pullets at the age of 20 weeks were divided according to the breed. Each treatment consisted of 3 replications of 10 laying hens. The eggs were collected every day, at 6:00, 10:00 and 14:00 and the amount of eggs was recorded for each oviposition time interval (from 14:00 to 5:59, from 6:00 to 9:59 and from 10:00 to 13:59). Moreover, the oviposition place (inside and outside the nest) and the amount of eggs in particular place were recorded. In addition, blood samples were collected. Significantly heavier eggs were laid between 10:00 and 13:59 than between 6:00 and 9:59 h (52.44 vs. 51.39 g, resp.). Haugh units were highest in eggs from Czech golden spotted hens that were laid between 6:00 and 9:59 h and in eggs from Oravka hens that were laid between 6:00 and 9:59 h and between 10:00 and 13:59 h. Significantly lower content of yolk cholesterol was found in Czech golden spotted hens compared to Oravka hens (10.64 vs. 11.22 mg/g, resp.). The Czech golden spotted hens had significantly higher level of glucose in blood serum than Oravka hens (16.47 vs. 14.03 mmol/l, resp.). The Czech golden spotted hens, gene reserve of the Czech Republic, are not yet sufficiently described in scientific literature, which highlights the importance of this study.

Author Biographies

  • Lukáš Zita, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
    https://orcid.org/

    0000-0002-7057-9287

  • Adam Kraus, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
    https://orcid.org/

    0000-0003-3307-4850

  • Ondřej Krunt, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
    https://orcid.org/

    0000-0002-6173-9445

  • Cyril Hrnčár, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources
    https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-6149-2331
  • Eva Chmelíková, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
    https://orcid.org/

    0000-0001-8022-2794

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Published

2022-07-11

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 2 (2022)

Section

Animal Science

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