The Effect of Genotype and Housing System (Deep Litter and Enriched Cages) on Physical Characteristics and Chemical Compositions of Eggs From Layer Breeders

Abstract

Egg weight, eggshell color, weight and chemical characteristics of edible portions, albumen pH, and yolk fatty acid compositions, were compared across the ten developed Turkish white (D-229, Brown, Blue, Black, and Maron) and brown (RIR1, RIR2, COL, Bar1, and Bar2) parent stock layer breeders reared in the deep litter (CF) and enriched cage (EC) housing systems. 180 eggs (9 eggs per genotype and system) were analyzed. CF eggs were characterized by higher yolk moisture, C10:0, C16:0, C18:1, C18:3, MUFA, and SFA, and lower yolk ash, C8:0, C12:0, C16:1, C18:2, and PUFA than EC eggs (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). Brown genotypes exhibited superior levels for most fatty acids, excluding C6:0, C10:0, C16:1, C18:2, and PUFA, and albumen moisture, ash, fat, and pH, and yolk moisture, ash, and fat (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study detailed the knowledge of eggs' differentiated chemical characteristics and fatty acids composition depending on the genotype and housing system, and their interaction in layer breeders.