Abstract

GARCIA, D. M et al. THE CORPORAL WEIGHT AND ITS EFFECT ON BIOPRODUCTIVE INDICATORS IN WHITE LEGHORN L33 HENS. Rev. Med. Vet. Zoot. [online]. 2016, vol.63, n.3, pp.188-200. ISSN 0120-2952.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rfmvz.v63n3.62714.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the corporal weight on bioproductive indicators in White Leghorn L33 hens. They were studied 192 egg-laying hens with 39 weeks of age during a period of six weeks and with a frequency of three weekly observations. Two groups according to the alive weight with 96 hens each one (three replies of 32 birds) were designed, having the group 1 (1500-1600 g) and group 2 (17351820 g), and being this last group the established range for this crossbreed with that age. Besides of viability and mortality bioproductive variables (production, weight, size, form and nutshell thickness of the eggs) were determined, as well as the proportion of dirty, stained and cracked eggs. In the last week of study the internal quality (dimension and color of egg white and yolk) was analyzed and the yolk and white index and Haugh Units were calculated. Descriptive statistics was realized and the Student's t and Fisher tests (P < 0.05) were used to compare means between groups. Significant statistical differences among production, weight, and size of eggs for group of bigger corporal weight were evidenced. Likewise, bigger internal quality of the egg (height of the egg white and yolk) in this second group was demonstrated. However, significant differences in the external quality of the eggs (dirty, stained and cracked) were not evidenced, unlike in the nutshell thickness. It is concluded that corporal weight influences direct and positively on bioproductive indicators in White Leghorn L33 hens.

Keywords : corporal weight; bioproductive indicators; laying hens; White Leghorn L33.

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