The Relationship of Layer Flock Age and Egg Weight on Egg Component Yields and Solids Content

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to determine the relationship of layer flock age and egg weight on egg component yields and resulting solids content. Eggs were obtained from six commercial farms with the same strain and receiving diets formulated to contain the same dietary energy and protein levels. Eggs were collected from each flock on the same morning every 2 weeks for a total of 12 weeks. The eggs for each week were broken out; the yolk, albumen, and shell fractions separated and weighed; and the yolk and albumen solids determined. Results were used to establish the independent and simultaneous relationships of egg weight and lock age on egg component yields and solids content. Increasing yolk yield in grams was found to be about equally dependent upon increasing egg weight or increasing flock age. Increased albumen and shell yields in grams were found to be positive functions of egg weight but negative functions of flock age. Yolk solids yield was a function of total yolk yield whereas albumen solids yield was dependent on increasing total albumen but was more negatively correlated to flock age than could be explained solely by albumen yield.