Evaluation of Egg Quality Traits in Indigenous Chicken Breeds of India
B. Vasanthi *
Poultry Research Station, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai – 600 051, India.
R. Richard Churchil
Department of Poultry Science, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai – 600 007, India.
S. M. K. Karthickeyan
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai – 600 007, India.
B. Samuel Masilamoni Ronald
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai – 600 007, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Egg quality traits are essential indicators of productivity, hatchability and consumer preference in poultry. Indigenous chicken breeds of India are known for their adaptability, resilience and unique product qualities, but comparative information on their egg characteristics under standardized conditions remains limited.
Aim: This study was designed to evaluate and compare the external and internal egg quality traits of three Indian chicken breeds—Siruvidai, Nicobari and TANUVAS Aseel—at 40 weeks of age and to identify breed-specific variations that could guide selection and conservation of native poultry germplasm.
Study Design: A completely randomized design was adopted to assess breed-wise differences in egg quality parameters.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Research Station, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai, using eggs collected from 40 weeks old hens.
Methodology: A total of 300 freshly laid eggs (100 per breed) were collected from healthy hens maintained under uniform management. External traits such as egg weight, length, width, shape index, surface area and specific gravity were recorded and internal traits such as l albumen height, yolk height, albumen and yolk weights, Haugh unit, yolk color, shell thickness and shell weight were measured using standard laboratory procedures., Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA for quantitative traits and Kruskal–Wallis test for qualitative shell colour analysis and differences among breeds were determined at P < 0.01.
Results: Highly significant (P < 0.01) breed differences were found for most traits. TANUVAS Aseel produced the heaviest eggs (52.93 g) with the largest surface area (65.45 cm²), highest albumen (30.83 g) and yolk weights (16.60 g) and superior internal quality indicated by a higher Haugh unit (76.81). Siruvidai eggs showed maximum shell thickness (0.34 mm), reflecting better shell strength. Nicobari eggs had the highest shape index (76.73) and intermediate values for other traits. Shell colour distribution (cream to dark brown) varied visually but was statistically non-significant (P = 0.911).
Conclusion: Significant breed-specific variations exist in the egg quality traits of Indian chickens. TANUVAS Aseel exhibited overall superior egg quality, followed by Nicobari and Siruvidai. These results provide essential baseline information for genetic improvement and conservation of native chicken germplasm
Keywords: Egg quality traits, indigenous chicken, Siruvidai, Nicobari, TANUVAS Aseel