Evaluation of Egg Quality Traits of Sasso T44 and Potchefstroom Koekoek Genotypes of Chicken Kept Under Farmers’ Management Conditions

Background and Objective: Understanding egg quality traits of exotic chicken kept under farmers’ management condition is very important for improving genetic performance and overall production obtained from both egg and hens. This study was conducted to compare two chicken ecotypes (highland and midland) and two chicken genotypes (Sasso T44 and Potchefstroom Koekoek) in Dedo district of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia in terms of internal and external egg quality traits and to determine the possible relationships among these traits. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 eggs were collected and their some internal and external egg quality traits were evaluated. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the ecotypes and genotypes and Pearson Correlation analysis was used to determine relationships among the traits. Results: Two ecotypes were significantly different (p<0.05) in terms of egg weight, egg length and shell ratio. There was significant difference (p<0.05) between the two chicken genotypes in terms of all external egg quality traits except shell thickness. The interaction of ecotypes and genotypes shows a non-significant effect (p>0.05) on all external egg traits except egg length (p<0.05). Albumin weight, yolk height and yolk diameters were significantly (p<0.05) affected by chicken ecotypes. All internal egg quality traits were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by chicken genotypes. The difference in egg quality traits of chicken genotypes and ecotypes suggested that there is a need for modifying genetic, feeding system and environmental factors for improving the performance of these exotic chickens. Conclusion: Sasso T44 is superior in most of egg quality parameters and raising Sasso T44 genotype might be recommended for smallholder farmers.