Egg Quality in Laying Hens: Optimizing Genetic, Nutritional, Environmental and Management Factors for Sustainable Layer Farming


Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | 02 | Page : –
    By

    Md. Emran Hossain,

  • Shilpi Islam,

  1. Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram-4225, , Bangladesh
  2. Professor, 2Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur-1706, , Bangladesh

Abstract

document.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’,function(){frmFrontForm.scrollToID(‘frm_container_abs_175962’);});Edit Abstract & Keyword

This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical factors affecting egg quality in laying hens, focusing on the integration of genetic, environmental, nutritional, and management practices. Egg quality, including shell strength, albumen consistency, and yolk pigmentation, is a key determinant of both production efficiency and marketability. Genetic factors, such as selection for desirable traits like shell integrity and yolk color, have a significant impact on the overall quality of eggs. Advances in genetic selection allow for the breeding of hens with improved reproductive performance and egg quality characteristics, leading to better outcomes in both small-scale and commercial production systems. Nutritionally, optimization of feed formulation plays a central role in ensuring adequate supply of essential nutrients, such as calcium, protein, vitamins, and trace minerals, which directly influence egg composition and shell formation. Proper feeding strategies, especially during heat stress or peak production periods, are crucial for maintaining consistent egg quality. Environmental factors, including housing conditions, temperature, humidity, and ventilation, are equally vital. Proper management of these elements helps minimize stress and environmental impacts, ensuring hens’ well-being and optimal egg production. Management practices, such as uniform feed distribution, consistent feeding schedules, and efficient disease control measures, further contribute to maintaining high-quality eggs. This paper synthesizes recent advancements in each of these domains and highlights the practical applications of these insights for economically viable poultry farming.

Keywords: Egg quality, environmental factors, genetic selection, laying hens, management practices, nutrition, sustainable farming

How to cite this article:
Md. Emran Hossain, Shilpi Islam. Egg Quality in Laying Hens: Optimizing Genetic, Nutritional, Environmental and Management Factors for Sustainable Layer Farming. Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2025; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Md. Emran Hossain, Shilpi Islam. Egg Quality in Laying Hens: Optimizing Genetic, Nutritional, Environmental and Management Factors for Sustainable Layer Farming. Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2025; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjovst/article=2025/view=0


document.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’,function(){frmFrontForm.scrollToID(‘frm_container_ref_175962’);});Edit

References

  1. R. Robert, “Factors Affecting Egg Internal Quality and Egg Shell Quality in Laying Hens,” J. Poult. Sci., vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 161–177, 2004, doi: 10.2141/jpsa.41.161.
  2. O. Oguntunji and O. M. Alabi, “Influence of high environmental temperature on egg production and shell quality: A review,” Worlds. Poult. Sci. J., vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 739–750, 2010, doi: 10.1017/S004393391000070X.
  3. Dunn, “Poultry breeding for egg quality: Traditional and modern genetic approaches,” in Improving the Safety and Quality of Eggs and Egg Products: Egg Chemistry, Production and Consumption, Elsevier, 2011, pp. 245–260. doi: 10.1533/9780857093912.3.245.
  4. Alex Chang, “The Importance of Nutrition on Egg Shell Quality in Broiler breeders,” 2020.
  5. O. Hughes, A. B. Gilbert, and M. F. Brown, “Categorisation and causes of abnormal egg shells: Relationship with stress,” Br. Poult. Sci., vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 325–337, 1986, doi: 10.1080/00071668608416885.
  6. Drabik, M. Karwowska, K. Wengerska, T. Próchniak, A. Adamczuk, and J. Batkowska, “The variability of quality traits of table eggs and eggshell mineral composition depending on hens’ breed and eggshell color,” Animals, vol. 11, no. 5, 2021, doi: 10.3390/ani11051204.
  7. R. Roberts, K. Chousalkar, and Samiullah, “Egg quality and age of laying hens: Implications for product safety,” Anim. Prod. Sci., vol. 53, no. 12, pp. 1291–1297, 2013, doi: 10.1071/AN12345.
  8. Zhang, X. Gao, W. Zheng, P. Wang, Z. Duan, and G. Xu, “Dynamic Changes in Egg Quality, Heritability and Correlation of These Traits and Yolk Nutrient throughout the Entire Laying Cycle,” Foods, vol. 12, no. 24, 2023, doi: 10.3390/foods12244472.
  9. Guo et al., “Genetic evaluation of eggshell color based on additive and dominance models in laying hens,” Asian-Australasian J. Anim. Sci., vol. 33, no. 8, pp. 1217–1223, 2020, doi: 10.5713/ajas.19.0345.
  10. S. H. Hassan and M. F. Abdul-Careem, “Avian viruses that impact table EGG production,” Animals, vol. 10, no. 10, pp. 1–14, 2020, doi: 10.3390/ani10101747.
  11. Tuiskula-Haavisto, M. Honkatukia, J. Vilkki, D. J. De Koning, N. F. Schulman, and A. Mäki-Tanila, “Mapping of quantitative trait loci affecting quality and production traits in egg layers,” Poult. Sci., vol. 81, no. 7, pp. 919–927, 2002, doi: 10.1093/ps/81.7.919.
  12. Lacin, A. Yildiz, N. Esenbuga, and M. Macit, “Effects of differences in the initial body weight of groups on laying performance and egg quality parameters of Lohmann laying hens,” Czech J. Anim. Sci., vol. 53, no. 11, pp. 466–471, 2008, doi: 10.17221/341-cjas.
  13. O. Anene, Y. Akter, P. C. Thomson, P. Groves, S. Liu, and C. J. O’shea, “Hens that exhibit poorer feed efficiency produce eggs with lower albumen quality and are prone to being overweight,” Animals, vol. 11, no. 10, p. 2986, 2021, doi: 10.3390/ani11102986.
  14. Mishra, N. Sah, and S. Wasti, “Genetic and Hormonal Regulation of Egg Formation in the Oviduct of Laying Hens,” in Poultry – An Advanced Learning, IntechOpen, 2020. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.85011.
  15. Pérez-Bonilla, S. Novoa, J. García, M. Mohiti-Asli, M. Frikha, and G. G. Mateos, “Effects of energy concentration of the diet on productive performance and egg quality of brown egg-laying hens differing in initial body weight,” Poult. Sci., vol. 91, no. 12, pp. 3156–3166, 2012.
  16. Y. Shim, E. Song, L. Billard, S. E. Aggrey, G. M. Pesti, and P. Sodsee, “Effects of balanced dietary protein levels on egg production and egg quality parameters of individual commercial layers,” Poult. Sci., vol. 92, no. 10, pp. 2687–2696, 2013, doi: 10.3382/ps.2012-02569.
  17. Skřivan, M. Englmaierová, M. Marounek, V. Skřivanová, T. Taubner, and T. Vít, “Effect of dietary magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and limestone grain size on productive performance and eggshell quality of hens,” Czech J. Anim. Sci., vol. 61, no. 10, pp. 473–480, 2016, doi: 10.17221/3/2016-CJAS.
  18. Pelicia et al., “Calcium and available phosphorus levels for laying hens in second production cycle,” Rev. Bras. Cienc. Avic. / Brazilian J. Poult. Sci., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 39–49, 2009, doi: 10.1590/S1516-635X2009000100007.
  19. Cheng and Z. Ning, “Research progress on bird eggshell quality defects: a review,” Poult. Sci., vol. 102, no. 1, p. 102283, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102283.
  20. Alagawany et al., “Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in poultry nutrition: effect on production performance and health,” Animals, vol. 9, no. 8, p. 573, 2019.
  21. Fraeye, C. Bruneel, C. Lemahieu, J. Buyse, K. Muylaert, and I. Foubert, “Dietary enrichment of eggs with omega-3 fatty acids: A review,” Food Res. Int., vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 961–969, 2012, doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2012.03.014.
  22. Wang et al., “Effects of Different Selenium Sources on the Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant, and Immune Responses of Laying Hens under Normal and Cyclic High Temperatures,” Animals, vol. 12, no. 8, 2022, doi: 10.3390/ani12081006.
  23. Persson and A. Hermansson, “The effect of sodium chloride on eggshell quality in laying hens-A,” pp. 1–10, 2009.
  24. Zhang et al., “Dietary zinc supplementation affects eggshell quality and ultrastructure in commercial laying ducks by influencing calcium metabolism,” Poult. Sci., vol. 101, no. 1, p. 101539, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101539.
  25. Jing, S. Zhao, A. Rogiewicz, B. A. Slominski, and J. D. House, “Effects of phytase supplementation on production performance, egg and bone quality, plasma biochemistry and mineral excretion of layers fed varying levels of phosphorus,” Animal, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 100010, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100010.
  26. Kilic and E. Simsek, “The effects of heat stress on egg production and quality of laying hens,” J. Anim. Vet. Adv., vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 42–47, 2013, doi: 10.3923/javaa.2013.42.47.
  27. Holik, “Management of laying hens to minimize heat stress,” North, vol. 44, no. April, pp. 16–29, 2009.
  28. H. Kim, Y. K. Lee, S. D. Lee, and K. W. Lee, “Impact of relative humidity on the laying performance, egg quality, and physiological stress responses of laying hens exposed to high ambient temperature,” J. Therm. Biol., vol. 103, p. 103167, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103167.
  29. O. Whetham, “Factors modifying egg production with special reference to seasonal changes,” J. Agric. Sci., vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 383–418, 1933, doi: 10.1017/S0021859600053284.
  30. Ruzal, D. Shinder, I. Malka, and S. Yahav, “Ventilation plays an important role in hens’ egg production at high ambient temperature,” Poult. Sci., vol. 90, no. 4, pp. 856–862, 2011, doi: 10.3382/ps.2010-00993.
  31. Wichman, R. De Groot, O. Håstad, H. Wall, and D. Rubene, “Influence of different light spectrums on behaviour and welfare in laying hens,” Animals, vol. 11, no. 4, p. 924, 2021, doi: 10.3390/ani11040924.
  32. R. Morris, “The effects of ahemeral light and dark cycles on egg production in the fowl.,” Poult. Sci., vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 423–445, 1973, doi: 10.3382/ps.0520423.
  33. Sheikh et al., “Ammonia production in the poultry houses and its harmful effects,” Worlds. Poult. Sci. J., vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 99–113, 2018.
  34. Englmaierová, E. Tůmová, V. Charvátová, and M. Skřivan, “Effects of laying hens housing system on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, and egg microbial contamination Original Paper,” Czech J. Anim. Sci., vol. 59, no. 8, 2014.
  35. L. Geng et al., “Effects of indoor stocking density on performance, egg quality, and welfare status of a native chicken during 22 to 38 weeks,” Poult. Sci., vol. 99, no. 1, pp. 163–171, 2020, doi: 10.3382/ps/pez543.
  36. K. Kang et al., “Effect of stocking density on laying performance, egg quality and blood parameters of Hy-Line Brown laying hens in an aviary system.,” Eur. Poult. Sci. für Geflügelkd., vol. 82, no. 245, 2018.
  37. Y. Hester, S. A. Enneking, K. Y. Jefferson-Moore, M. E. Einstein, H. W. Cheng, and D. A. Rubin, “The effect of perches in cages during pullet rearing and egg laying on hen performance, foot health, and plumage,” Poult. Sci., vol. 92, no. 2, pp. 310–320, 2013, doi: 10.3382/ps.2012-02744.
  38. Zhang et al., “Age-related changes in eggshell physical properties, ultrastructure, calcium metabolism-related serum indices, and gene expression in eggshell gland during eggshell formation in commercial laying ducks,” Poult. Sci., vol. 101, no. 2, p. 101573, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101573.
  39. T. Alo, J. O. Daramola, M. Wheto, and O. E. Oke, “Impact of broiler breeder hens’ age and egg storage on egg quality, embryonic development, and hatching traits of FUNAAB-alpha chickens,” Poult. Sci., vol. 103, no. 2, p. 103313, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103313.
  40. Nys, “Dietary carotenoids and egg yolk coloration,” Arch. für Geflugelkd., vol. 64, no. 2, pp. 45–54, 2000.
  41. O. Nordstrom, “Albumen Quality of Eggs Laid During Molt Induction,” Poult. Sci., vol. 59, no. 8, pp. 1711–1714, 1980, doi: 10.3382/ps.0591711.
  42. Vlčková, E. Tůmová, K. Míková, M. Englmaierová, M. Okrouhlá, and D. Chodová, “Changes in the quality of eggs during storage depending on the housing system and the age of hens,” Poult. Sci., vol. 98, no. 11, pp. 6187–6193, 2019.
  43. G. Box, A. V Beresford, and B. Roberts, “Protection of laying hens against infectious bronchitis with inactivated emulsion vaccines.,” Vet. Rec., vol. 106, no. 12, pp. 264–268, 1980.
  44. R. Roberts, R. Souillard, and J. Bertin, “Avian diseases which affect egg production and quality,” in Improving the Safety and Quality of Eggs and Egg Products: Egg Chemistry, Production and Consumption, Elsevier, 2011, pp. 376–393. doi: 10.1533/9780857093912.3.376.
  45. K. Gast, D. K. Dittoe, and S. C. Ricke, “Salmonella in eggs and egg-laying chickens: Pathways to effective control,” Crit. Rev. Microbiol., vol. 50, no. 1, pp. 39–63, 2024.
  46. C. Hien, B. Diarra, R. Dabire, J. Wangrawa, and L. Sawadogo, “Effects of external parasites on the productivity of poultry in the traditional rearing system in the sub-humid zone of Burkina Faso,” Int. J. Poult. Sci., vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 189–196, 2011, doi: 10.3923/ijps.2011.189.196.
  47. M. Soares, E. C. Tucci, E. R. Freitas, and D. P. B. Fernandes, “Reduced productivity among confined laying hens infested by Allopsoroptoides galli (Mironov, 2013),” Poult. Sci., vol. 95, no. 4, pp. 819–822, 2016, doi: 10.3382/ps/pev442.
  48. K. Sharma and W. K. Kim, “Coccidiosis in Egg-Laying Hens and Potential Nutritional Strategies to Modulate Performance, Gut Health, and Immune Response,” Animals, vol. 14, no. 7, 2024, doi: 10.3390/ani14071015.
  49. El-Sabrout, S. Aggag, and B. Mishra, “Advanced Practical Strategies to Enhance Table Egg Production,” Scientifica (Cairo)., vol. 2022, no. 1, p. 1393392, 2022, doi: 10.1155/2022/1393392.
  50. E. Obianwuna et al., “Natural Products of Plants and Animal Origin Improve Albumen Quality of Chicken Eggs,” Front. Nutr., vol. 9, p. 875270, 2022, doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.875270.
  51. Nemati et al., “Assessment of dietary selenium and vitamin E on laying performance and quality parameters of fresh and stored eggs in Japanese Quails,” Foods, vol. 9, no. 9, p. 1324, 2020, doi: 10.3390/foods9091324.
  52. P. He et al., “Impact of heat stress and nutritional interventions on poultry production,” Worlds. Poult. Sci. J., vol. 74, no. 4, pp. 647–664, 2018, doi: 10.1017/S0043933918000727.
  53. G. Soltanmoradi, A. Seidavi, M. Dadashbeiki, F. Delgado, and S. Gamboa, “Effect of time, amount and frequency of feeding on total egg production, fertility and hatchability in broiler breeders,” Arch. Anim. Breed., vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 1014–1022, 2013, doi: 10.7482/0003-9438-56-102.
  54. A. O’Connor et al., “Effect of low light and high noise on behavioural activity, physiological indicators of stress and production in laying hens,” Br. Poult. Sci., vol. 52, no. 6, pp. 666–674, 2011, doi: 10.1080/00071668.2011.639342.
  55. Svobodová and E. To̊mová, “Factors affecting microbial contamination of market eggs: A review,” Sci. Agric. Bohem., vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 226–237, 2014, doi: 10.1515/sab-2015-0003.
  56. Soliman and A. M. Safwat, “Climate Change Impact on Immune Status and Productivity of Poultry as Well as the Quality of Meat and Egg Products,” Springer Water, pp. 481–498, 2020, doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-41629-4_20.
  57. Zhao, T. A. Shepherd, H. Li, and H. Xin, “Environmental assessment of three egg production systems- Part I: Monitoring system and indoor air quality,” Poult. Sci., vol. 94, no. 3, pp. 518–533, 2015, doi: 10.3382/ps/peu076.
  58. Kodani, D. Msamala, R. Chigumira, T. Shumba, and M. P., “Implications of diet and quality consistence of feed on poultry layers egg quality,” African J. Agric. Res., vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 617–631, 2022, doi: 10.5897/ajar2022.15948.
  59. M. Sh and M. F. Taboosha, “Productive Performance , Economic Efficiency and Egg Quality of Laying Hens as Affected by Different Molting Methods,” Sciences (New. York)., vol. 7, no. 02, pp. 349–360, 2017.
  60. Habte, A. Amare, J. Bettridge, M. Collins, R. Christley, and P. Wigley, “Guide to chicken health and management in Ethiopia for farmers and development agents,” IIri Man., pp. 1–62, 2017.
  61. F. Thompson et al., “Rapid cooling of shell eggs,” J. Appl. Poult. Res., vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 258–268, 2000.
  62. L. Orr, G. W. Friars, B. S. Reinhart, and I. Y. Pevzner, “Classification Of Shell Damage Resulting From Egg Handling Practices,” Poult. Sci., vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 611–614, 1977, doi: 10.3382/ps.0560611.
  63. Sokołowicz, M. Kačániová, M. Dykiel, A. Augustyńska-Prejsnar, and J. Topczewska, “Influence of Storage Packaging Type on the Microbiological and Sensory Quality of Free-Range Table Eggs,” Animals, vol. 13, no. 12, pp. 1–14, 2023, doi: 10.3390/ani13121899.
  64. Aboonajmi and H. Faridi, “Quality Assessment Methods and Postharvest Handling of Fresh Poultry Eggs,” in Handbook of Food Preservation, CRC Press, 2020, pp. 169–188.
  65. M. Engel, T. M. Widowski, A. J. Tilbrook, K. L. Butler, and P. H. Hemsworth, “The effects of floor space and nest box access on the physiology and behavior of caged laying hens,” Poult. Sci., vol. 98, no. 2, pp. 533–547, 2019, doi: 10.3382/ps/pey378.
  66. Tůmová, M. Skřivan, M. Englmaierová, and L. Zita, “The effect of genotype, housing system and egg collection time on egg quality in egg type hens,” Czech J. Anim. Sci., vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 17–23, 2009.
Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
02
Received 05/02/2025
Accepted 24/02/2025
Published 27/02/2025
Publication Time 22 Days
121

async function fetchCitationCount(doi) {
let apiUrl = `https://api.crossref.org/works/${doi}`;
try {
let response = await fetch(apiUrl);
let data = await response.json();
let citationCount = data.message[“is-referenced-by-count”];
document.getElementById(“citation-count”).innerText = `Citations: ${citationCount}`;
} catch (error) {
console.error(“Error fetching citation count:”, error);
document.getElementById(“citation-count”).innerText = “Citations: Data unavailable”;
}
}
fetchCitationCount(“10.37591/RRJOVST.v14i02.0”);

Loading citations…