RELATIONSHIP OF EGG WEIGHT, SPECIFIC-GRAVITY, AND SHELL WEIGHT TO TIME OF OVIPOSITION AND FEEDING IN BROILER BREEDERS

The relationship of oviposition time (OT) to egg weight, specific gravity, and shell weight was examined in two trials. Trial 1 was at 38 and 39 weeks of age, while Trial 2 was conducted at 44 weeks of age. Two commercial strains were utilized. The feeding time (FT) was 0800 hr in Trial 1 and either 0800 or 1300 hr in Trial 2. Egg weight was greatest for eggs laid before 0900 hr OT in Trial 1. Specific gravity was highest for eggs laid between 1500 to 1900 hr and lowest from 0900 to 1300 hr OT. Shell weight was greatest for 1900 to 0700 hr OT and lowest at 0900 to 1300 hr OT. A significant OT .times. FT interaction occurred for all parameters in Trial 2, which indicated a differential diurnal distribution due to different FT. No overall change in egg weight or specific gravity was observed. Shell weight was increased significantly by the 1300 hr FT when compared to the 0800 hr FT. It was concluded there there is a diurnal variation in egg weight, specific gravity, and shell weight exhibited by limit-fed broiler breeders and this pattern can be modified somewhat by different FT.