Comparisons of frequencies and egg shell characteristics of broken and intact eggs within diverse populations of chickens

Abstract

1. Differences were found among eight populations of White Plymouth Rock pullets in the frequency of broken eggs.

2. The shells of such eggs were thinner than those of intact eggs in seven of the populations.

3. The number of defective eggs, the specific gravity of the eggs, and the percentage hen‐day egg production of normal eggs were significantly correlated within populations with the incidence of broken eggs.

4. No significant correlations were found within populations between the incidence of egg breakage and either egg weight, body weight, or shank length.

Notes

Present address: Spelderholt Institute for Poultry Research, Beekbergen, The Netherlands.

Present address: Peterson Industries, Decatur, Arkansas 72722, USA.