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

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 02 | Page : 1 15
    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

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 an 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

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology ]

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):1-15.
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):1-15. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjovst/article=2025/view=202204


References

  1. Robert JR. Factors affecting egg internal quality and egg shell quality in laying hens. J Poult Sci. 2004;41(3):161–177. doi:10.2141/jpsa.41.161.
  2. Oguntunji AO, Alabi OM. Influence of high environmental temperature on egg production and shell quality: A review. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2010;66(4):739–750. doi:10.1017/S004393391000070X.
  3. Dunn I. 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. p. 245–60. doi:10.1533/9780857093912.3.245.
  4. Chang A. The importance of nutrition on egg shell quality in broiler breeders. 2020.
  5. Hughes BO, Gilbert AB, Brown MF. Categorisation and causes of abnormal egg shells: Relationship with stress. Br Poult Sci. 1986;27(2):325–337. doi:10.1080/00071668608416885.
  6. Drabik K, Karwowska M, Wengerska K, Próchniak T, Adamczuk A, Batkowska J. The variability of quality traits of table eggs and eggshell mineral composition depending on hens’ breed and eggshell color. Animals. 2021;11(5). doi:10.3390/ani11051204.
  7. Roberts JR, Chousalkar K, Samiullah. Egg quality and age of laying hens: Implications for product safety. Anim Prod Sci. 2013;53(12):1291–1297. doi:10.1071/AN12345.
  8. Zhang J, Gao X, Zheng W, Wang P, Duan Z, Xu G. Dynamic changes in egg quality, heritability and correlation of these traits and yolk nutrient throughout the entire laying cycle. Foods. 2023;12(24). doi:10.3390/foods12244472.
  9. Guo J, et al. Genetic evaluation of eggshell color based on additive and dominance models in laying hens. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 2020;33(8):1217–1223. doi:10.5713/ajas.19.0345.
  10. Hassan MSH, Abdul-Careem MF. Avian viruses that impact table egg production. Animals. 2020;10(10):1–14. doi:10.3390/ani10101747.
  11. Tuiskula-Haavisto M, Honkatukia M, Vilkki J, De Koning DJ, Schulman NF, Mäki-Tanila A. Mapping of quantitative trait loci affecting quality and production traits in egg layers. Poult Sci. 2002;81(7):919–927. doi:10.1093/ps/81.7.919.
  12. Lacin E, Yildiz A, Esenbuga N, Macit M. 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. 2008;53(11):466–471. doi:10.17221/341-cjas.
  13. Anene DO, Akter Y, Thomson PC, Groves P, Liu S, O’shea CJ. Hens that exhibit poorer feed efficiency produce eggs with lower albumen quality and are prone to being overweight. Animals. 2021;11(10):2986. doi:10.3390/ani11102986.
  14. Mishra B, Sah N, Wasti S. 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 A, Novoa S, García J, Mohiti-Asli M, Frikha M, Mateos GG. 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. 2012;91(12):3156–3166.
  16. Shim MY, Song E, Billard L, Aggrey SE, Pesti GM, Sodsee P. Effects of balanced dietary protein levels on egg production and egg quality parameters of individual commercial layers. Poult Sci. 2013;92(10):2687–2696. doi:10.3382/ps.2012-02569.
  17. Skřivan M, Englmaierová M, Marounek M, Skřivanová V, Taubner T, Vít T. Effect of dietary magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and limestone grain size on productive performance and eggshell quality of hens. Czech J Anim Sci. 2016;61(10):473–480. doi:10.17221/3/2016-CJAS.
  18. Pelicia K, et al. Calcium and available phosphorus levels for laying hens in second production cycle. Rev Bras Cienc Avic. 2009;11(1):39–49. doi:10.1590/S1516-635X2009000100007.
  19. Cheng X, Ning Z. Research progress on bird eggshell quality defects: a review. Poult Sci. 2023;102(1):102283. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2022.102283.
  20. Alagawany M, et al. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in poultry nutrition: effect on production performance and health. Animals. 2019;9(8):573.
  21. Fraeye I, Bruneel C, Lemahieu C, Buyse J, Muylaert K, Foubert I. Dietary enrichment of eggs with omega-3 fatty acids: A review. Food Res Int. 2012;48(2):961–969. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2012.03.014.
  22. Wang W, 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. 2022;12(8). doi:10.3390/ani12081006.
  23. Persson K, Hermansson A. The effect of sodium chloride on eggshell quality in laying hens-A. 2009. 1–10.
  24. Zhang Y, et al. Dietary zinc supplementation affects eggshell quality and ultrastructure in commercial laying ducks by influencing calcium metabolism. Poult Sci. 2022;101(1):101539. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2021.101539.
  25. Jing M, Zhao S, Rogiewicz A, Slominski BA, House JD. Effects of phytase supplementation on production performance, egg and bone quality, plasma biochemistry and mineral excretion of layers fed varying levels of phosphorus. Animal. 2021;15(1):100010. doi:10.1016/j.animal.2020.100010.
  26. Kilic I, Simsek E. The effects of heat stress on egg production and quality of laying hens. J Anim Vet Adv. 2013;12(1):42–47. doi:10.3923/javaa.2013.42.47.
  27. Holik V. Management of laying hens to minimize heat stress. North. 2009;44(April):16–29.
  28. Kim DH, Lee YK, Lee SD, Lee KW. 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. 2022;103:103167. doi:10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103167.
  29. Whetham EO. Factors modifying egg production with special reference to seasonal changes. J Agric Sci. 1933;23(3):383–418. doi:10.1017/S0021859600053284.
  30. Ruzal M, Shinder D, Malka I, Yahav S. Ventilation plays an important role in hens’ egg production at high ambient temperature. Poult Sci. 2011;90(4):856–862. doi:10.3382/ps.2010-00993.
  31. Wichman A, De Groot R, Håstad O, Wall H, Rubene D. Influence of different light spectrums on behaviour and welfare in laying hens. Animals. 2021;11(4):924. doi:10.3390/ani11040924.
  32. Morris TR. The effects of ahemeral light and dark cycles on egg production in the fowl. Poult Sci. 1973;52(2):423–445. doi:10.3382/ps.0520423.
  33. Sheikh I, et al. Ammonia production in the poultry houses and its harmful effects. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2018;40(2):99–113.
  34. Englmaierová M, Tůmová E, Charvátová V, Skřivan M. Effects of laying hens housing system on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, and egg microbial contamination. Czech J Anim Sci. 2014;59(8).
  35. Geng AL, 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. 2020;99(1):163–171. doi:10.3382/ps/pez543.
  36. Kang HK, 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. 2018;82:245.
  37. Hester PY, Enneking SA, Jefferson-Moore KY, Einstein ME, Cheng HW, Rubin DA. The effect of perches in cages during pullet rearing and egg laying on hen performance, foot health, and plumage. Poult Sci. 2013;92(2):310–320. doi:10.3382/ps.2012-02744.
  38. Zhang Y, 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. 2022;101(2):101573. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2021.101573.
  39. Alo ET, Daramola JO, Wheto M, Oke OE. Impact of broiler breeder hens’ age and egg storage on egg quality, embryonic development, and hatching traits of FUNAAB-alpha chickens. Poult Sci. 2024;103(2):103313. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2023.103313.
  40. Nys Y. Dietary carotenoids and egg yolk coloration. Arch Geflügelkd. 2000;64(2):45–54.
  41. Nordstrom JO. Albumen quality of eggs laid during molt induction. Poult Sci. 1980;59(8):1711–1714. doi:10.3382/ps.0591711.
  42. Vlčková J, Tůmová E, Míková K, Englmaierová M, Okrouhlá M, Chodová D. Changes in the quality of eggs during storage depending on the housing system and the age of hens. Poult Sci. 2019;98(11):6187–6193.
  43. Box PG, Beresford AV, Roberts B. Protection of laying hens against infectious bronchitis with inactivated emulsion vaccines. Vet Rec. 1980;106(12):264–268.
  44. Roberts JR, Souillard R, Bertin J. 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. 376–393. doi:10.1533/9780857093912.3.376.
  45. Gast RK, Dittoe DK, Ricke SC. Salmonella in eggs and egg-laying chickens: Pathways to effective control. Crit Rev Microbiol. 2024;50(1):39–63.
  46. Hien OC, Diarra B, Dabire R, Wangrawa J, Sawadogo L. 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. 2011;10(3):189–196. doi:10.3923/ijps.2011.189.196.
  47. Soares NM, Tucci EC, Freitas ER, Fernandes DPB. Reduced productivity among confined laying hens infested by Allopsoroptoides galli (Mironov, 2013). Poult Sci. 2016;95(4):819–822. doi:10.3382/ps/pev442.
  48. Sharma MK, Kim WK. Coccidiosis in egg-laying hens and potential nutritional strategies to modulate performance, gut health, and immune response. Animals. 2024;14(7). doi:10.3390/ani14071015.
  49. El-Sabrout K, Aggag S, Mishra B. Advanced practical strategies to enhance table egg production. Scientifica (Cairo). 2022;2022:1393392. doi:10.1155/2022/1393392.
  50. Obianwuna UE, et al. Natural products of plants and animal origin improve albumen quality of chicken eggs. Front Nutr. 2022;9:875270. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.875270.
  51. Nemati Z, et al. Assessment of dietary selenium and vitamin E on laying performance and quality parameters of fresh and stored eggs in Japanese quails. Foods. 2020;9(9):1324. doi:10.3390/foods9091324.
  52. He SP, et al. Impact of heat stress and nutritional interventions on poultry production. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2018;74(4):647–664. doi:10.1017/S0043933918000727.
  53. Soltanmoradi MG, Seidavi A, Dadashbeiki M, Delgado F, Gamboa S. Effect of time, amount and frequency of feeding on total egg production, fertility and hatchability in broiler breeders. Arch Anim Breed. 2013;56(1):1014–1022. doi:10.7482/0003-9438-56-102.
  54. O’Connor EA, et al. Effect of low light and high noise on behavioural activity, physiological indicators of stress and production in laying hens. Br Poult Sci. 2011;52(6):666–674. doi:10.1080/00071668.2011.639342.
  55. Svobodová J, To̊mová E. Factors affecting microbial contamination of market eggs: A review. Sci Agric Bohem. 2014;45(4):226–237. doi:10.1515/sab-2015-0003.
  56. Soliman A, Safwat AM. Climate change impact on immune status and productivity of poultry as well as the quality of meat and egg products. In: Springer Water. 2020. 481–98. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-41629-4_20.
  57. Zhao Y, Shepherd TA, Li H, Xin H. Environmental assessment of three egg production systems—Part I: Monitoring system and indoor air quality. Poult Sci. 2015;94(3):518–533. doi:10.3382/ps/peu076.
  58. Kodani S, Msamala D, Chigumira R, Shumba T, M P. Implications of diet and quality consistence of feed on poultry layers egg quality. Afr J Agric Res. 2022;18(8):617–631. doi:10.5897/ajar2022.15948.
  59. Sh AM, Taboosha MF. Productive performance, economic efficiency and egg quality of laying hens as affected by different molting methods. Sciences (NY). 2017;7(2):349–360.
  60. Habte T, Amare A, Bettridge J, Collins M, Christley R, Wigley P. Guide to chicken health and management in Ethiopia for farmers and development agents. IIri Man. 2017;1–62.
  61. Thompson JF, et al. Rapid cooling of shell eggs. J Appl Poult Res. 2000;9(2):258–268.
  62. Orr HL, Friars GW, Reinhart BS, Pevzner IY. Classification of shell damage resulting from egg handling practices. Poult Sci. 1977;56(2):611–614. doi:10.3382/ps.0560611.
  63. Sokołowicz Z, Kačániová M, Dykiel M, Augustyńska-Prejsnar A, Topczewska J. Influence of storage packaging type on the microbiological and sensory quality of free-range table eggs. Animals. 2023;13(12):1–14. doi:10.3390/ani13121899.
  64. Aboonajmi M, Faridi H. Quality assessment methods and postharvest handling of fresh poultry eggs. In: Handbook of Food Preservation. CRC Press; 2020. 169–188.
  65. Engel JM, Widowski TM, Tilbrook AJ, Butler KL, Hemsworth PH. The effects of floor space and nest box access on the physiology and behavior of caged laying hens. Poult Sci. 2019;98(2):533–547. doi:10.3382/ps/pey378.
  66. Tůmová E, Skřivan M, Englmaierová M, Zita L. The effect of genotype, housing system and egg collection time on egg quality in egg type hens. Czech J Anim Sci. 2009;54(1):17–23.
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Issue 02
Received 05/02/2025
Accepted 24/02/2025
Published 27/02/2025
Publication Time 22 Days
541

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics