Evaluation of egg quality traits of endangered Nicobari fowl and its crosses under intensive and backyard system of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Aim: In the present study, egg quality traits of endangered Nicobari fowl and its crosses (Nicorock and Nishibari) were evaluated under intensive (deep litter) as well as backyard system, in the regions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Materials and Methods: Fresh eggs (15) of all the three genetic groups of birds were collected randomly from institute farm (intensive system) and from farmers’ field. The eggs were collected from adult birds (50 weeks of age) 3 times with 5 in number in each time. All the genetic groups of birds were subjected to same husbandry practices. The eggs were subjected to external and internal quality parameters study. Results: The effect of genetic groups on egg weight was significant (p<0.05) for all the groups. Nicorock had significantly higher egg weight (g) (56.79±0.77) in comparison to Nicobari (53.20±0.34) and Nishibari (48.98±0.22) under intensive system of management. Under backyard condition, the egg weight (g) of Nicorock (48.60±1.04) was significantly higher than Nicobari but not with Nishibari. In general, the egg weight was found less under backyard system than intensive system that might be due to scavenging nature of birds. Egg length, egg width and shape index differed significantly (p<0.05) among the genetic groups. Yolk index of Nicorock was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Nishibari under intensive as well as backyard condition. The shell thickness varied significantly (p<0.05) among different genetic groups. Haugh unit of Nicorock was significantly (p<0.05) lower in comparison to Nicobari and Nishibari under intensive system, but did not vary significantly among genetic groups under backyard condition. Conclusions: The study revealed that there was a significant effect of genetic groups on different egg quality traits; both in intensive system and backyard condition.