Genetic control of egg quality

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Abstract
The present study was undertaken to examine the contribution of egg quality measurements taken in different periods of a laying year to the accuracy of selection for full‐year performance, to determine the number of eggs to measure per hen when selecting for full‐year performance, and to evaluate the use of a selection index combining different period‐means for full‐year performance. The estimates of genetic parameters derived from three White Leghorn strains in three periods of each of three years for specific gravity, egg weight, albumen height and Haugh units were used here. Contributions of the measurements taken at each of the three periods (approximately 225, 350 and 450 d of age) to the accuracy of selection for full‐year performance were nearly equal. Sampling 2 to 3 eggs from each pullet in each of 2 periods before 10 months of age would be a practical convenience for selecting pullets for full‐year performance.