Work

Comparative Assessment of Egg Quality Across Farming Systems and Stages of Laying Cycle

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The aim of this study was the evaluation of egg quality between three different farming systems. Eggs collected from intensive (IS), extensive (ES), and dual-purpose systems (DPSs) at three stages of the production cycle (age) were analyzed for both external and internal traits. ISs represent high-input systems while ESs and DPSs represent low-input systems. Both the farming system and age had significant effects on quality characteristics. Eggs from the ES displayed a greater egg weight (64.3 ± 0.20 g) and shell weight (6.6 ± 0.03 g). Eggs from the IS farms displayed a higher Haugh unit score (83.2 ± 0.50), darker colored yolks (12.0 ± 0.06), and a lower incidence of blood spots (0.2 ± 0.05). The age and farming system influenced the fatty acid profile of eggs across farming systems. In particular, DPS eggs showed higher levels of unsaturated (62.2 ± 0.20%) and lower levels of saturated (37.8 ± 0.10%) fatty acids. The effect of age was also significant on the oxidation stability of yolks. The interaction effect (farming system × age) had significant effects on most traits. However, the farming system alone accounted for a greater portion of the variation in most egg quality parameters.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app151910693