Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
27th International Scientific-Expert Congress of Agriculture and Food Industry, Bursa, Türkiye, 26 - 28 Eylül 2016, ss.164
The poultry red mite (PRM) is the economically most important ectoparasite of chickens. In this study egg quality of poultry red mite infested chickens was investigated. A total of 48 white layer hens (60-week old) were used in the study. Hens were randomly divided in 2 groups as uninfested control hens and infested hens with PRM. Groups were housed in two identical rooms and each hen was kept in individual cage. Mites were collected from healthy backyard chicken coops and hens were experimentally infested by using traps. No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of egg quality on the beginning of the experiment. After one month, the average egg production for control and infested groups were 62% and 53%, respectively (P=0.0217). Although the egg weight was not significantly different between groups (P=0.1300), the eggs of infested hens were shorter than unifested hens. Besides that, eggs of infested hens had thinner and lighter shells (P≤0.0258). Furthermore yolk color of the eggs from infested hens was lighter (P=0.0280). The study clearly shows the negative effects of the poultry red mite on egg production and egg quality.
Keywords: Ectoparasite, Egg Weight, Yolk Color, Shell Thickness