Poultry Egg Production Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources c 12 B

Chicken Embryo Development http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PedajVADLGw

Today we will… Identify the breeds of poultry most often used for egg production and their characteristics. Describe the components of an egg.

Laying Hens Layers are housed in large laying facilities Laying lifespan of 2-3 years Average individual consumption of 250 eggs per year Most hens begin to lay around 4-6 months of age

Characteristics of Laying Hens Genetically selected for high egg productivity Small bodied (undesirable for meat production) Allows them to put nutrients towards egg production instead of body size

Layer Breeds White Leghorn White Plymouth Rock Rhode Island Red Most common in commercial industry Most abundant egg laying breed Lays white eggs White Plymouth Rock Lays brown eggs Rhode Island Red

Layer Breeds White Plymouth Rock Rhode Island Red

Laying Hens Pullets grown in cages until they are moved into the laying house at 16 to 17 weeks of age Begins laying eggs at approximately 20 weeks of age and by the end of year produce 250 eggs 90% of hens lay at least once egg a day before 30 weeks- peak production After 30 weeks at peak production slows to once every 26 hours.

What is an Egg? 65% water, 12 % protein 11% fat, 70 cal. It includes the following: Shell Shell membranes Albumen Yolk Together they protect and nourish.

Parts of an Egg Shell- hard outer surface; calcium From Outside to inside: Shell- hard outer surface; calcium Shell membranes- there are two one next to the shell, and surrounding albumen, yolk. Air Cell- air space between two shell membranes. Albumen- egg white. Yolk- true egg, if fertilized become embryo. Germ Spot - white spot on the yolk where an embryo can begin to develop if the egg has been fertilized and incubated. Chalazae- thick strands of inner thick albumen at each end of the yolk

What is an Egg?