Organic farming production. Effect of age on the productive yield and egg quality of hens of two commercial hybrid lines and two local breeds

摘要

Abstract Hens of 2 hybrid lines (Hy Line Brown - HLB, Hy Line White - HLW) and 2 local breeds (Robusta maculata – RM and Ermellinata of Rovigo – ER) were reared following the organic production procedure and their egg yield and quality were studied at two different ages (30 and 42 weeks). The experimental period was between 26 and 42 weeks of age, starting in summer and lasting until autumn. Age significantly (P vs. 94% and 44.5 vs. 59.4 g), of the HLW (81 vs. 89% and 42.4 vs. 54.7 g) and of the RM hens (27 vs. 63% and 12.9 vs. 36.7 g), which was the least precocious. Age did not affect the daily egg production of the ER hens (which was maintained around 58%), although it was observed a slight (P vs. 32.1 g). Age increased (P<0.01) the egg weight, yolk colour, yolk percentage and yolk:albumen ratio and decreased the albumen percentage in all groups.