Differences in the eggshell quality and tibia strength in Lohmann White and Czech Hen housed in cages and on litter

Abstract

DOI: 10.15414/afz.2014.17.03.75–78

Received 12. May 2014 ǀ Accepted 6. June 2014 ǀ Available online 27. August 2014

This study investigated the differences in the eggshell quality and the tibia measurements between Lohmann White and Czech Hens housed in conventional cages and on litter system. The significant interactions between genotype and housing system were detected for the egg weight (P≤0.001), the eggshell thickness (P≤0.003) and the tibia strength (P≤0.004). Serum calcium concentration and pore density were not significantly influenced by the interaction of genotype and housing system.

Keywords: eggshell quality, genotype, housing system, serum Ca, tibia strength