Heritability and genetic correlation of measurements derived from acoustic resonance frequency analysis; a novel method of determining eggshell quality in domestic hens

Abstract

1. Cracked eggshells result in economic loss and provide a route for pathogenic organisms to enter the egg. Genetic factors that contribute to shell strength are likely to decrease the risk that an egg will crack when subject to insult.

2. A novel measurement, the dynamic stiffness of the eggshell (K _dyn) was examined to determine if it might be used in the genetic selection of hens with improved eggshell characteristics. The measurement is determined from acoustic resonance frequency analysis.

3. The estimates of heritability for the novel measurement of K _dyn were moderately high and ranged from 0·33 to 0·53 depending on the model used for the estimation.

4. The estimates of genetic correlation of K _dyn with eggshell breaking strength (0·49) and static stiffness (0·57) were positive and relatively large as expected. There was a small negative genetic correlation between K _dyn and egg production from 26 to 50 weeks of age (−0·19) and a moderate one from 58 to 74 weeks of age (−0·36).

5. The moderate heritability and relative independence of K _dyn indicates that this measurement could be used successfully in a breeding programme to improve shell quality and to reduce the incidence of cracks.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by EU project QLK5-CT-2001-01606 ‘EGGDEFENCE’. The development of the dynamic stiffness measurement was partially funded by the ‘Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek—Vlaanderen’ (F.W.O., project G.0221.00).