Relationships between feather score and egg production and feed consumption of different layer hybrids kept in conventional cages

Yamak U. S., Sarica M.

ARCHIV FUR GEFLUGELKUNDE, vol.76, no.1, pp.31-37, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 76 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Journal Name: ARCHIV FUR GEFLUGELKUNDE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.31-37
  • Keywords: Layer, feather score, plumage condition, egg production, feed consumption, egg weight, LAYING HENS, PLUMAGE CONDITION, PECKING BEHAVIOR, INTEGUMENT, QUALITY, FLOOR
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study assessed feather scores, egg production and feed consumption of three local and two imported layer breeds. The relationships between feather score and egg production and feed consumption were evaluated for the total study population and by live weights and eggshell color of genotypes. Animal material was comprised of 360 layers (72 layers per genotype). Feather scores were obtained by observation at 6 locations (head, neck, breast, back, wing and tail) at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 72 weeks. Egg production was calculated on a daily basis, and feed consumption and egg weight were calculated on a weekly basis. Correlations were identified between feather score and egg production, feed consumption and egg weight among the overall study population and according to live weight and egg shell color.