Comparative Analysis of the Ultrastructure, Bubble Pores, and Composition of Eggshells of Dwarf Layer-White and Guinea Fowl

Abstract

The decrease in eggshell quality seriously affects production efficiency. Guinea fowl (GF) eggs possess strong eggshells because of their unique crystal structure, and few systematic studies have compared laying hen and GF eggs. Sixty eggs were collected from both 40-week-old Dwarf Layer-White (DWL-White) laying hens and GF, and the eggshell quality, ultrastructure, bubble pores, and composition were measured. The results showed that the DWL-White eggs had a higher egg weight and a lower eggshell strength, strength per unit weight, thickness, and ratio than the GF eggs (p p p p < 0.01). This study observed distinctions that offer new insights into enhancing eggshell quality.

Keywords

• hen
• Guinea fowl
• eggshell strength
• ultrastructure
• bubble pore