PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF EGGS FROM SEX-LINKED IMPERFECT ALBINO (SAL-S) AND NONALBINO (S+) HENS KEPT UNDER COMMERCIAL CONDITIONS

The beneficial effects of the gene for imperfect albinism on egg produ ction were investigated under commercial conditions. In one line (Line 8) but not in another (Line 3), hen-day egg production of albinos fro m 46 to 75 wk of age was higher than that of nonalbinos (76.1 vs 72.6% ) resulting in higher overall hen-day (71.1 vs 69.3%, P < .08) and hen -housed (276.3 vs 263.6 eggs) egg production by albino hens. Egg produ ction of Line 8 albinos was not different than that of one of two comm ercial strains (Strain A) included as a control (76.1 vs 75.6%, P > .0 5). In data from Lines 3 and 8 combined, sexual maturity of albinos wa s delayed by 3.0 d. Mortality was higher for albinos than nonalbinos ( 3.6 vs 1.8%) during the first 2 wk of brooding and lower for albinos ( 5.8 vs 8.9%) during the laying period. Eggs from albinos weighed less (53.8 vs 55.3 g), had smaller yolks (16.9 vs 17.6 g) and shells (5.16 vs 5.27 g), and firmer albumen (5.9 vs 5.6 mm). The results suggest th at the gene produces beneficial effects on egg production under commer cial conditions.