Qualidade de ovos de codornas alimentadas com feno de milheto e estocados por diferentes períodos e temperaturas

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of including millet hay (Pennisetum glaucum) on the egg quality of laying quails. 192 birds were used, distributed in randomized blocks, submitted to four experimental diets (inclusions of 0, 5, 10 and 15% of millet hay), with eight replicates and six quails per cage. For the internal and external quality of eggs, a factorial scheme 4 x 3 x 2 was used, consisting of four experimental rations, for three storage periods (10, 20 and 30 days) and two storage conditions (ambient and refrigerated temperature). A total of 576 eggs were analyzed, with 24 repetitions per treatment, each egg being considered a repetition. The inclusion of millet hay in the experimental diets did not affect weight loss, shell thickness, Haugh unit, yolk index and yolk and albumen percentages. There was a decrease in the percentage of husk with the inclusion of 5 and 15% of millet hay and an increase in yolk pigmentation with the inclusion of millet hay, with the greatest color obtained with 15% of inclusion. Eggs stored under refrigeration resulted in better shell thickness, specific gravity and gradual weight loss. Egg quality is significantly altered as a function of the interaction temperature of storage x storage period for the parameters of specific weight, Haugh Unit, percentage of yolk, albumen and shell. We concluded under experimental conditions that millet hay can be included in quail diets up to 15% no affecting the quality of eggs, the storage in a refrigerated environment and for a shorter period of storage have better quality.