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Differences in egg nutrient availability, development, and nutrient metabolism of broiler and layer embryos
A Nangsuay1, R Molenaar2, R Meijerhof3
1Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands ampai.nangsuay@wur.nl.
Poultry Science
|February 22, 2015
Summary
Broiler and layer embryos show distinct developmental patterns affecting energy use and heat production. Despite differences, both strains efficiently convert egg energy into yolk-free body mass.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Embryology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Selective breeding for production traits in broilers and layers creates physiological differences.
- These differences may manifest early in embryonic development, impacting nutrient utilization and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of broiler versus layer strains on egg nutrient availability.
- To analyze embryonic development and nutrient metabolism differences between broiler and layer embryos.
- To compare energy utilization and heat production during incubation.
Main Methods:
- Selected 480 eggs (62.0-64.0 g) from Lohmann Brown Lite (layer) and Ross 308 (broiler) breeder flocks.
- Determined egg composition (nutrient and energy content) for 30 eggs per strain.
- Incubated 90 eggs per strain in climate respiration chambers at 37.8°C eggshell temperature.
- Measured yolk:albumen ratio, yolk energy, total energy, yolk-free body mass, residual yolk, respiration quotient, and heat production.
Main Results:
- Broiler eggs had a higher yolk:albumen ratio, more yolk, and higher yolk and total energy content.
- Broiler embryos exhibited greater yolk-free body mass, chick weight/length at hatch, and higher respiration quotient and heat production.
- Broiler embryos utilized more yolk, showing higher energy utilization and deposition in yolk-free body mass, with lower residual yolk at hatch.
Conclusions:
- Broiler and layer embryos display divergent embryonic development patterns influencing energy utilization and heat production.
- Despite differing metabolic rates and heat output, both broiler and layer embryos demonstrate comparable efficiency in converting utilized egg energy into yolk-free body mass.
