The quality of eggs derived from Polbar and Greenleg partridge hens - Polish conservative breeds

Abstract

The intensive breeding work has led to the globalisation of poultry production in terms of available commercial hybrids of laying hens. However, the indigenous breeds are still maintained in many countries, including Poland. The experimental aim was to characterise the eggs quality from two local, Polish hen breeds: Greenleg partridge (Gp) and Polbar (Pb). 4145 eggs were analyzed, at 33rd and 53rd week of age. Pb eggs were characterized by the bigger shell and yolk proportion, bigger albumen height, bigger and more intensively coloured yolk as well as better shell quality manifested in its significantly higher density and breaking strength. The Gp eggs quality is evidenced by a fatty acid profile, lower thrombogenic index, triglycerides and cholesterol concentration. The high quality of eggs, the cultural and ethical conditions, allow us to hope for a wider use of these genotypes in the production of high-quality eggs.