Abstract: A trial was done to study the chemical composition of meat and egg yolk of laying hens belonging to different genotypes reared using an organic production system. Two commercial hybrid hens (Hy-Line Brown and Hy-Line White 36) and 2 Italian dual-purpose breed hens (Ermellinata di Rovigo and Robusta Maculata) were reared from 25 to 44 wk of age. During the experimental period (July to December), the environmental temperature decreased from about 25 to 13 degrees C and the RH increased from 62 to 73%. The photoperiod was 16L:8D. Meat and egg yolks of 44-wk-old hens were analyzed. The Italian breeds showed higher meat production and lower egg production when compared with the hybrids. Genotype affected protein, lipid, and ash content of breast and thigh meat. Hy-Line White and Ermellinata di Rovigo showed the lowest (P < 0.01) breast lipid and Hy-Line White had the lowest (P < 0.01) thigh lipid. Hy-Line White showed higher (P < 0.05) breast and thigh cholesterol. Genotype affected egg yolk cholesterol, which was higher (P < 0.01) in Italian breeds than in hybrids. The fatty acid profiles of meat and yolk were significantly affected by genotype. The hybrid and Robusta Maculata meat and egg fatty acid composition may be considered to be more favorable to human health. The results indicate that the ability of laying hens to incorporate fatty acids is genetically dependent and a possible interaction between strain and environmental conditions may exist for the absorption and utilization of dietary components.
Reference: Rizzi, C. and Chiericato, G.M. (2010). Chemical composition of meat and egg yolk of hybrid and Italian breed hens reared using an organic production system. Poultry Science 89(6): 1239-1251. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3383/ps.2008-00045