The Interaction Impacts of Breeder Flock Genotype and Egg Shapes on Quantitative and Qualitative Chick Quality

Chick quality is influenced by several important factors, including the genotype of the breeder flock, incubation conditions, egg storage duration and conditions, as well as post-hatch handling. To assess chick quality, researchers use both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative assessments involve morphological measurements such as chick weight, length and leg length. Qualitative evaluations are based on visual scoring methods, among these, the Tona method has become increasingly common in recent studies to measuring chick quality. The goal of this study was to investigate the interaction impacts of breeder flock genotype and egg shapes on quantitative and qualitative chick quality.

In this experiment, a total of two hundred and seventy hatching eggs, were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial design involving two breeder flock genotypes (Hy-Line White and Hy-Line Brown) and three egg shapes (normal shape, abnormal shape and rough shell). Egg weight, fertility and hatchability percentages, chick quality evaluation was assessed based on both quantitative and qualitative parameters.

The results showed that breeder genotype exerts a stronger influence on quantitative chick quality, whereas egg shapes primarily affects fertility, hatchability and qualitative chick quality (Tona score). Interaction effects showed that egg weight, chick weight, shank length were significantly influenced by interaction between genotype and egg shapes. The interaction between breeder genotype and egg shape can help poultry producers improve hatchery performance and chick quality. Specifically, it highlights that selecting appropriate breeder strains and managing egg shapes during collection and incubation could enhance fertility, hatchability and overall chick quality.