EGG QUALITY TRAITS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN CAPTIVE LORIKEETS AND LORIES

N. Karunakaran; G. Srinivasan; K. Nagarajan; G. Vignesh Kumar; R. Richard Churchil

doi:10.56093/ijvasr.v55i4.181118

Authors

N. Karunakaran Postgraduate Scholar, Department of Poulty Science, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai - 600 007
G. Srinivasan Professor and Head (Retired), Department of Poultry Science, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai - 600 007
K. Nagarajan Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai - 600 007
G. Vignesh Kumar Postgraduate Scholar, Department of Poultry Science, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai - 600 007.
R. Richard Churchil Professor and Head, Poultry Research Station, TANUVAS, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai - 600 051.

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijvasr.v55i4.181118

Keywords:

Lorikeets and Lories, Egg quality, Shape index, Artificial incubation, Reproductive performance, Captive breeding

Abstract

The present study evaluated egg quality traits and their influence on reproductive performance in captive lorikeets and lories maintained under tropical aviary conditions. A total of 151 lorikeet eggs and 52 lory eggs were assessed for egg weight, shape index, fertility, fertile hatchability and total hatchability under artificial incubation. Egg weight differed significantly (P<0.01) among species in both groups, with lories recording higher egg weights than lorikeets. Shape index varied significantly among lorikeets but not among lories, and eggs of Loriinae were relatively more spherical than those of domestic poultry species. Fertility and total hatchability differed significantly among lorikeets, whereas no significant variation was observed among lories. Fertile hatchability did not differ significantly among species. Egg weight showed significant positive correlations with fertility and total hatchability in lorikeets, indicating superior reproductive performance in heavier eggs, whereas no such association was evident in lories. Shape index had limited influence on hatchability traits, although relatively spherical eggs in lories tended to be more fertile. The findings revealed marked interspecific variation in egg quality and reproductive traits and demonstrated the importance of egg weight in reproductive performance. The study provides baseline information for improving hatchability and chick output in captive lorikeet and lory breeding programmes

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