Influence of age and weight at first egg on monthly egg production and quality traits of Bovans Brown Chickens

Abstract

The influence of age and weight at first egg on monthly egg production and quality traits of Bovans Brown chickens was studied. The research was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the University of Maiduguri Livestock Teaching and Research Farm. Data collected from 50 Bovans Brown layers were analyzed using the general linear model of SPSS. Weight at first egg and most egg quality traits except egg length, yolk length and index had significant effect on egg number in the months of January and February. The laying birds were grouped into three (<1.60 Kg, 1.60 – 1.90 Kg and >1.90 Kg). Egg number was higher for birds weighing 1.60-1.90 Kg and greater than 1.90 Kg. The value of egg quality traits was higher in birds with longer days at first egg. The reverse was however the case with albumin length and Haugh unit. Age at first egg had a significant effect on egg production in January with birds that came into lay at a later period having higher egg number. Correlation coefficients between egg weight, length and width (0.92, 0.65 and 0.75 respectively) were generally high, positive and significant (P<0.01). an indication that when egg weight is improved egg length and width got better.