Relationship between egg weight and chick weight in native brazilian chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of biotypes of native Canela-Preta, Rabo-de-Leque, and Sura chicken breeds on egg and chick weight, as well as the correlation between egg weight and chick weight at hatch and during the production phases (starter, grower, and finisher). Eggs were individually identified and weighed on a digital scale with a precision of 0.01 g, then incubated at 37.5 °C and 60% relative humidity. Hatched chicks were weighed and identified individually. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with three treatments and fifty-six replicates. The variables were subjected to ANOVA to assess the effect of biotype on the traits studied. Means were compared using Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05) when a significant difference was detected. Simple Pearson correlations and regression analyses were performed to estimate the relationships between the variables. Analyses were performed using the REG procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Studio). No significant influence (p > 0.05) of biotype on egg or chick weight was observed. A strong positive correlation was found between egg weight and chick weight at hatch. Linear regression analysis was positive for all three biotypes. The influence of egg weight on chick weight was observed up to the fourth week of life only in the Rabo-de-leque biotype. It was concluded that biotype did not influence egg or chick weight. There is a relationship between chick weight at hatch and weight gain up to the fourth week of life in the Rabo-de-Leque biotype. No relationship was found between egg weight and bird weight in the other production phases.