Physical and Biochemical Characterization of Eggs of Chicken Crossbreed and Its Comparison with Dahlem Red for Rural Poultry Development

Abstract

Background: Crossbreeds of indigenous chicken are suitable for sustainable rural farming practices in developing countries as they are better adapted to local environment than pure breeds. Study was conducted to compare physical and biochemical parameters of egg between indigenous crossbreed of chicken (DND) locally called Himsamridhi and exotic chicken breed Dahlem Red (DR) under similar rearing conditions. Methods: 45 egg samples were collected from DND and 45 from DR. Physical characteristics and biochemical parameters of eggs were determined. Further, effect of these egg characteristics on hatching and progeny health were investigated. Result: External physical characteristics viz. weight, length, breadth, shell weight and total egg surface were significantly (P<0.05) higher in DR whereas shape index and shell ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher in DND. Internal physical characteristics viz. yolk, albumen weights and albumen volume were significantly (P<0.05) higher in DR whereas Haugh unit was significantly (P<0.05) higher in DND. Biochemical parameters viz. total proteins significantly (P<0.05) higher in DND and total cholesterol significantly (P<0.05) higher in DR. Egg hatchability on fertile egg set basis (FES) and total egg set basis (TES) was higher in DND. Thus, some parameters were better in indigenous crossbreed, such as low cholesterol, higher total proteins, higher hatchability and chick survivability.