Physical traits of eggs from free-range domestic hens of the Sura variety in Northeast Brazil

• Published in: Revista brasileira de saúde e produção animal 2024-08, Vol.25
• Main Authors: Machado, Leandra Polliny M., Cavalcante, Diego Helcias, Costa, Márcio da Silva, Oliveira, Marcelo Richelly A., Sousa Junior, Antônio, Almeida, Marcos Jacob de Oliveira, Araujo, Adriana Mello de
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; por
• Subjects: AGRONOMY; egg quality; eggs; free-range poultry farming; Sura hens
• ISSN: 1519-9940; 1519-9940
• DOI: 10.1590/s1519-994020230040

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the physical characteristics of eggs from free-range hens of the Sura variety. One hundred eggs underwent assessment of various physical parameters, namely, whole egg weight, equatorial diameter, egg height, shell color, presence of cracks via candling, air chamber height, yolk color, presence of flesh and blood spots, albumen width and length, yolk diameter, yolk weight, and shell weight. Additional analyses included determining the albumen weight (calculated by subtracting the weights of the shell and yolk from the total egg weight), percentages of egg components, shape index, and shell index. Statistical analyses were conducted using GLM SAS software (SAS Institute). The results revealed distinct physical traits; eggs from the Sura variety, regardless of size class (large or small), typically have a more rounded shape, light brown shells, and more orange yolks. These findings confirm that Sura variety eggs possess unique characteristics that could appeal to specific market niches, potentially promoting the production of these birds, supporting biodiversity, and aiding in the prevention of their extinction.