Abstract:
Poultry, as one of the most significant livestock subsectors, provides
affordable, high-quality animal protein in the form of eggs and meat. This
study aimed to investigate the differences in hatchability, fertility, and chick
quality between nest eggs and floor eggs in the Ross 308 broiler breed at
Marist Brothers Poultry broiler farm. The experiment, conducted at a
hatchery, employed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). A total of 640
eggs and each group consisted of 320 nest eggs and 320 floor eggs from Ross
308 male x Ross 308 female breeders (39 weeks of age) were collected for
the experiment. Criteria for assessing egg quality included measuring the
shape index and initial egg weight. Chick quality parameters were evaluated
using the Pasgar score method. Data analysis was performed using the
independent sample t test. The results revealed significant differences
(p<0.05) in hatchability, fertility, and initial weight between the two types of
eggs. Nest eggs exhibited higher fertility (89%), hatchability (86%), and
chick quality than floor eggs. However, no significant differences (p>0.05)
were observed in the egg shape index and Pasgar score between the two egg
types. Additionally, specific Pasgar score components, including reflex, leg,
and beak, showed no significant differences (p>0.05) and the navel and belly
were significantly different between nest eggs and floor eggs. In conclusion,
nest eggs exhibit higher hatchability, fertility, and chick quality rates
compared to floor eggs. The aforementioned numerical statistics were
identified as the most successful output of the research.
