Effect of genotype and some shell quality traits on lysozyme content and activity in the albumen of eggs from hens under biodiversity conservation programme

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine shell quality of eggs laid by some strains of native breed hens of different ages, with special consideration of their effect on lysozyme concentration and enzymatic activity. Evaluation was made of the eggshells from 6 breeds/strains of laying hens covered by the gene pool protection program in Poland: Greenleg Partridge (Z-11), Yellowleg Partridge (Ż-33), Rhode Island Red (R-11), Rhode Island White (A-33), Sussex (S-66), and Leghorn (H-22). Significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences were established for all the shell quality characteristics between hen strains. As the birds aged, shell weight and porosity increased, and shell compression strength decreased in all the experimental groups. Lysozyme content was lowest in white-shelled eggs (H-22) and highest in cream-colored and light brown eggs (Z-11, Ż-33, and R-11). Furthermore, age of hens had a greater effect on lysozyme concentration and activity in the eggs than on shell quality traits. Regardless of the layer genotype, eggs from older hens showed higher lysozyme concentration and enzymatic activity.