Study of Time Intervals of Egg Formation in Oravka Hens

Abstract

In this study, we analysed daily the time intervals of egg formation in pure chicken breed Oravka in the second half of egg production on 66 hens for 30 days, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Experiment was realised in deep litter system in pens with automatic egg nest. Feeding of hens was providing by feed mixture for laying hens (crude protein 158.06 g/kg, metabolic energy 11.32 MJ/kg). Feeding and watering were ad libitum. Birds were exposed to natural light as a practiced in rural areas of South-West Slovakia. There were observed that in Oravka chickens the egg forming on average 25.78±0.39 hours, while the range was from 17 to 32 hours. Intervals between successively laid eggs were shortened by the clutch length. Time intervals of egg formation were 26.92±1.87 hours in short clutches (1 to 3 eggs), 25.31±1.65 hours in medium clutches (1 to 8 eggs) and 24.67±1.54 hours in long clutches (more than 9 eggs). Time intervals of egg formation were shortened by prolonging the clutch. The clutch length can significantly affect egg weight.

Keywords

• oravka
• hen
• egg formation
• clutch length
• time interval