The Effect of Oviposition Time on Egg Quality Parameters in Brown Leghorn, Oravka and Brahma Hens

In this experiment with three pure chicken breeds the effect of oviposition on egg quality parameters was investigated. Laying hens of the Brown Leghorn, Oravka and Brahma from 20 to 64 weeks of age were housed in pens with deep litter. The collection time was at 6.00, 10.00 and 14.00 h. Eggs were gathered at the start, middle and end of the laying period. In Brown Leghorn time of oviposition had no significant ( P>0.05) affected yolk percentage, yolk index and egg weight. However, in shell thickness, albumen index and Haugh Units we detected significant ( P 0.05) effect on egg weight, albumen index and Haugh Units. We recorded significantly (P ≤0.05) higher value of shell thickness in 06:00 h in comparison with 10:00 and 14:00 h, but other eggshell quality parameters as shell percentage and shell strength were no significantly ( P>0.05) affected in the eggs laid at 6:00, 10:00 and 14:00 h. In Brahma, the egg weight, shell percentage, shell thickness and shell strength were significant ( P < 0.05) affected by time of oviposition.