ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate the impact of different cage densities and ages on the growth performance and quality traits of eggs for Hy-Line laying hens. For this experiment, a total of 216 laying hens were divided into three groups, with 9 replicates each. The cage densities were 1353 cm2/hen, 677 cm2/hen, and 451 cm2/hen representing groups T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The results of the study showed that feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved and egg weights were significantly increased in hens with low cage density (p<0.05). Moreover, cage density significantly affected final body weight. At the end of the experiment, hens in group T1 were about 35 and 70 g heavier than those in groups T2 and T3, respectively. On the other hand, cage density had no significant (p>0.05) effect on egg shape index, yolk index, albumin index, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, yolk color, and shape index. In conclusion, high space availability for hens had positive effects on feed conversion and egg weight.

Keywords
Hy-line; layers; performance; eggs quality

Title

Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science

Publisher

SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

Publisher Country

Brazil

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

1.1

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

25

Year

2023

Pages

001-008