Influence of Housing Systems on Egg Quality and Hatch Performance in Rhode Island Red Chickens

Abhishek Kumar Singh; DR Abhay Kumar; Dr Ravi Ranjan Kumar Sinha; Dr Shri Prasad Sahu; Dr Kaushlendra Kumar; Dr Alok Bharti

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i1.170665

Authors

Abhishek Kumar Singh Assistant Professor
DR Abhay Kumar Touring Veterinary Officer
Dr Ravi Ranjan Kumar Sinha Bihar Animal Science University
Dr Shri Prasad Sahu Bihar Animal Science University
Dr Kaushlendra Kumar Bihar Animal Science University
Dr Alok Bharti Bihar Animal Science University

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i1.170665

Keywords:

: Rhode Island Red hens, Housing system, Egg Production, Egg quality, Fertility, Hatchability, Embryonic mortality, Poultry welfare

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of three housing systems—individual cages, colony cages, and deep litter—on the growth, egg production, egg quality, and reproductive performance of Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens under Indian climatic conditions. A total of 120 hens were randomly assigned to each system (n = 40) and monitored from 16 to 40 weeks of age. Housing type significantly affected body weight, egg production, and key egg quality traits (p < 0.05). Birds in individual cages exhibited the highest body weight, egg output, and internal egg quality, with superior shell thickness (0.35 mm), shell weight (7.5 g), albumen height (7.5 mm), Haugh unit (85.0), and albumen index (9.55). Yolk height was also greater in caged hens (17.8 mm) compared to deep litter (16.8 mm; p = 0.05), although yolk color was enhanced in the deep litter system, likely due to natural carotenoid intake. External traits such as yolk diameter, egg dimensions, and shape index were not influenced by housing (p > 0.05). Reproductive traits showed significant variation: individual cages yielded the highest fertility (91.25%) and hatchability (TES: 82.00%; FES: 89.87%), while deep litter reduced mid and late embryonic mortality. Although individual cages maximized production, deep litter housing supported natural behaviors and showed promise as a welfare-friendly alternative with competitive reproductive outcomes. These findings offer valuable insights into balancing productivity and welfare, supporting the adoption of sustainable housing systems tailored for dual-purpose poultry under tropical conditions.

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Author Biographies

Abhishek Kumar Singh, Assistant Professor

Dr Abhishek kumar Singh

Assistant professor

Animal nutrition; FVAS, BHU; Mirzapur, P
Dr Ravi Ranjan Kumar Sinha, Bihar Animal Science University

Livestock Production management, Associate Professor
Dr Shri Prasad Sahu, Bihar Animal Science University

Livestock Production Management, Professor and Head
Dr Kaushlendra Kumar, Bihar Animal Science University

Animal Nutrition, Associate Professor
Dr Alok Bharti, Bihar Animal Science University

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Scientist

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