Laying pattern parameters in broiler breeder hens and intrasequence changes in egg composition

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the pattern of oviposition time in laying sequences in broiler breeder hens and to determine a relationship between egg position in the sequence and egg quality. The sequences were described using mean oviposition time (hour) within a sequence, mean lag of oviposition time between successive ovipositions, and mean and cumulative lag of oviposition for a sequence. Egg weight, percentage of egg components and shape index were determined for successive eggs in a sequence. The 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- to 6- and 7- to 9-egg sequences were considered. The light/dark regime was 16 h/8 h (05:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m.). Hens laid the first egg in a sequence about 3.5 h after the beginning of the photoperiod. With increasing sequence length, the first egg was laid sooner after the beginning of the photoperiod and the intervals between successive ovipositions shortened. This suggests that when planning the frequency of egg collection in a flock of broiler breeder hens, one should account for changes in the egg sequence length during the production period. No significant relationship between egg position in the sequence and quality of egg components was observed.