Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A037
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A037
Published online: 22 April 2026
A cross-generational comparison of chick quality in Leghorn and Green-legged Partridge breeds
Karolina Wengerska*1, Renata Zdun2, Martyna Brandys-Buczek2, Justyna Batkowska1 and Kamil Drabik1
1 Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Students Research Group of Poultry Biology, Breeding, and Husbandry, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: karolina.wengerska@up.edu.pl
The consistency of chick quality is a key factor in the stability and efficiency of poultry production, as it determines uniform rearing results and predictable production parameters. High uniformity in the vital and morphometric characteristics of chicks helps reduce losses, improve growth rates, and optimize feed utilization. Key factors that may influence chick quality include the genotype and health status of the parent flock, house hygiene conditions, etc., while a less frequently discussed issue in this regard may be the presence of any type of eggshell defects, including those overlooked during routine inspection of hatching eggs.
The aim of the study was a cross-generational comparison of chick quality in Leghorn and Green-legged Partridge breeds, taking into account the occurrence of shell defects. The study material consisted of a total of 1,000 eggs obtained from Leghorn and Green-legged Partridge hens (250 eggs from each breed per generation). Before incubation, the weight and shape index of the eggs were recorded, and they were then candled to identify the most common shell defects. Eggs without defects were treated as the control group. After disinfection using a UV lamp, the eggs were incubated under standard conditions. On the 6th and 18th days of incubation, the eggs were candled to remove dead embryos. In the hatching chamber, the eggs were placed in individual hatching nests. After 21 days, the hatched chicks were evaluated, weighed, and measured (from the beak to the end of the middle toe of the foot).
The results of the study indicate that chick quality remained at a similar level regardless of breed or generation analysed. Some of the quality parameters varied within the breed depending on the occurrence of eggshell defects. The results obtained highlight the stability of the chicks’ quality traits in both breeds analysed and indicate that these factors did not limit the reproducibility of the hatching process.
This research was funded in whole or in part by National Science Centre, Poland, PRELUDIUM Grant No. 2024/53/N/NZ9/03076.
Keywords: chicks evaluation; eggshell defects; incubation; laying hens; shell quality
How to cite
Wengerska K., Zdun R., Brandys-Buczek M., Batkowska J., Drabik K., 2026. A cross-generational comparison of chick quality in Leghorn and Green-legged Partridge breeds. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A037