EGG Quality Characteristics of Three Phenotypes of Local Chickens in Adamawa State.

The Experiment was designed to compare the internal and external egg quality traits of three phenotypes of village chickens. The study was carried out at Modibbo Adama University, poultry farm, Yola.The research lasted for a period of eight months. Three phenotypes of Sixteen (16) hens and Two (2) Cockerels each (48 breeder Hens and 6 Cocks) were purchased and assigned randomly for the study. A total of two hundred and seventy fertile eggs were collected for the study. Digital electric balance, Micrometer screw gauge and Varnier caliper were used to determine the parameters. Egg width, albumin height and width significantly (p<0.001) differ among the phenotypes. Egg weight, yolk height, yolk index and haugh unit had a significant (p<0.01) effect on all the phenotype. Egg length, egg index and shell weight had significant (p<0.05) effect on the phenotype. The egg quality traits were significantly affected by the type of phenotypes except yolk width and shell thickness. Frizzle feathered consistently produced heavier, longer, wider egg and albumin and heavier shell. Similarly frizzle naked neck produced higher albumin and yolk height and haugh unit. Furthermore naked neck produced higher egg width, egg and yolk index and yolk height. Frizzle and Smooth feathered chickens and its associate produced significant positive and negative correlations in egg quality traits. Naked neck and it crosses produced significant positive correlation in all the egg quality traits studied. It could therefore be concluded that crossing between Frizzle and naked neck feathered chicken produced better egg quality traits required. I, recommend Frizzle Naked neck chickens to be considered for table eggs.