Nutrient Quality Characteristics of Eggs from Seven-chicken Strains in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the nutrient quality of eggs from seven-chicken strains in South-Western Nigeria using a total of 195 hens. Theseven strains are normal feather, fulani ecotype, frizzle feather, naked neck and transylvania indigenous strains while hubbard and marshall were meat-type exotic chickens. Each strain was replicated three times at 10 birds per replicate making a total of 30 hens per strain except the frizzle feather that were 15 in number. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the trial that lasted for 24 weeks. Forty-two eggs of 6 eggs per strain were collected at first and last day of the 32nd week of age from the hens for nutrient composition studies on the basis of yolk, albumen and whole egg. The birds were fed experimental diet at 125g/bird/day. Results showed that the fat content of the yolk in exotic birds were higher compared to their indigenous counterparts. Significant differences (p<0.05) observed in crude protein and nitrogen free extract in the eggs albumin of frizzle feather indicated that it was superior to other strains. It can be concluded that indigenous strains had better nutritional properties in their whole egg due to high level of ash, fat, protein and nitrogen free extract than their exotic counterparts. The yolk of frizzled feather is recommended based on its high protein content while naked neck yolk is recommended because of its low fat contents especially for people living with obesity and heart related diseases and children under five.