The Effect of Eggshell Quality on Hatchability of Pure Chicken Breeds

Abstract

Hatchability is affected by a variety of factors. Eggshell quality plays very important role among these factors. In this work we analysed eggshell quality, hatchability and embryonic mortality of pure chicken breeds New Hampshire, Oravka, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red and Sussex Light. Hatchability was significantly lower (P>0.05) in Sussex Light in comparison with New Hampshire. The eggshell quality for Sussex Light was significantly decreased (P>0.05) in eggshell thickness (398.73 vs. 356.07 μm) and eggshell percentage compared with New Hampshire (10.36 vs. 8.79 %).

Keywords

• chicken breed
• eggshell percentage
• eggshell strength
• eggshell thickness
• hatchability