5 Factors affecting egg size in poultry chicken

Egg size management in Poultry Chicken

The size of the eggs is of economic importance to the farmer as it affects marketing of the produce. The market generally prefer bigger eggs and customers are will to pay a premium for the proper sized eggs.

Factors affecting egg size:
1) Lighting program
2) Nutritional factors
3) Body weights and genetics
4) Ambient temperatures

5) Management

Egg size

Lighting program
A slow step down of the lighting program during the rearing phase and a slow step up lighting program during the onset of egg production is desirable for improved egg size.

Nutritional factors
The energy levels in the feed together with essential amino acids like methionine, cystine , linoleic acid and total fats in the feed can affect the size of the egg. For farmers making farm formulated feeds proper feed mixing should be done and it should be thorough and once in a while feed sample should be taken for analysis to ensure that feeds have all essential components of necessary ingredients.

Body weights
The body weights also play a crucial role in egg size management. Farmers to ensure that birds are able to finish their daily ration on a daily basis for them to attain and maintain proper body weights according to schedule.

Ambient temperature
High temperature above the thermo-neutral zone directly affect feed intake and ultimately egg size.

Other management factors like disease management also plays a vital part in egg size. The presence of a disease means birds will tend to utilize essential proteins and amino acids for a more immediate need which is forming natural body defense systems through anti bodies at the expense of egg formation. Constant stress and of the flock through improper handling also has a bearing on body weigh growth and ultimately affecting egg size.