External and internal quality traits of eggs from different ornamental chicken breeds

Abstract

This study analyzed the internal and external quality traits of eggs derived from hens of different breeds, including Silkie, Sultan, Cochin Bantam, Brahma and White Leghorn. The highest mean weight was noted for eggs originating from the White Leghorns breed, and the lowest was for eggs from the Cochin Bantams. Simultaneously, both a positive correlation between the egg weight and the percentage of albumen (r = 0.876) and a negative correlation between egg weight and the percentage of yolk (r =-0.842) were found. The eggshell composition varied significantly in mean phosphorus amount, whereas the calcium content did not differ significantly. Despite this, eggshell strength varied significantly between breeds. Regarding cholesterol and fatty acid levels, the highest amount of cholesterol was noted in the Cochin Bantam breed, and the lowest was in the White Leghorn, although Leghorn was the breed characterized by the highest saturated fatty acid levels, and Cochin Bantam was the lowest. Regarding the polyunsaturated fatty acids (which have been proven to positively influence the cardiovascular system), the highest levels were obtained by Leghorn eggs, and the lowest were obtained by Silkie eggs. In conclusion, the study indicates that ornamental chicken breeds are a source of high-quality products, which could be attractive to consumers, additionally supporting traditional farming and animal genetic resources.