鹅蛋与鸭蛋生物学特性的比较

作者旨在研究地方品种鹅蛋与鸭蛋的生物学特性差异。同期采集固始白鹅种蛋56枚,淮南麻鸭种蛋64枚,对外部特征和内部品质进行对比。结果表明二者之间存在较大差异,鹅蛋与鸭蛋各指标分别为：蛋重（159.1 g,62.17 g）、蛋比重（1.119,1.094）、蛋壳厚度（0.514 mm,0.311 mm）、哈氏单位（107.77,86.14）、蛋黄比例（38.12%,30.28%）、蛋壳比例（12.32%,11.19%）,以上指标鹅蛋均高于鸭蛋。鸭蛋蛋黄色泽优于鹅蛋,罗氏比色鸭蛋、鹅蛋分别为11.33和4.52。鸭蛋的血肉斑率达到12.5%,明显高于鹅蛋的3.57%,需要通过育种手段来降低。     

Moisture content and moisture quantity of sweated chicken eggs in 2 storage environments

There are instances where shell eggs may be moved from refrigeration into ambient temperature with high humidity, such as before wash and during transportation. Under these conditions, it is of concern that bacteria on wet eggs can grow and migrate through the shell pores into the egg. Objectives of this experiment were: 1) to compare 3 methods of quantifying condensate on eggs and 2) to quantify condensate on refrigerated shell eggs at 2 temperatures (22°C and 32°C). For objective 1, 270 fresh shell eggs (3 replications, 90 eggs per replication) were stored at 4°C, 60% relative humidity (RH), then placed at 22°C, 60% RH for 1 h. After this time, 30 pre-weighed eggs were randomly selected and weighed. Thirty eggs were thoroughly wiped with pre-weighed paper towels to collect condensate. Thirty eggs were evaluated with a pinless moisture meter for quantifying egg condensate, which was found to be an ineffective method. There was no difference in quantifying egg condensation by egg weight or weight of moisture absorbed on a paper towel (0.2% vs. 0.19% percentage gain mL condensation/egg surface area) (P > 0.05). For objective 2, 104 fresh eggs formed condensation at 2 temperatures (22°C and 32°C, 60% RH). Each egg weight was continuously recorded from the beginning of condensation formation to the point where the egg reached a constant weight. There was a difference found in the time it took for an egg to reach maximum condensation (11 min at 32°C, 17 min at 22°C), as well as completely dry (25 min at 32°C, 34 min at 22°C) between the 2 temperatures (P < 0.05).     

Albendazole treatment in laying hens: Egg residues and its effects on fertility and hatchability

This work characterized the egg residual concentrations of albendazole (ABZ ) and its sulphoxide (ABZSO ) and sulphone (ABZSO ₂) metabolites and evaluated their effect on egg fertility and hatchability after ABZ treatments to laying hens. Seventy hens were allocated in groups: Group‐1 was the control without treatment; Group‐2 received a single ABZ oral dose (10 mg/kg); Group‐3, ‐4 and ‐5 were treated with ABZ in medicated feed over 7 days at 10, 40, or 80 mg kg^?1 day^?1, respectively. Eggs were analyzed to determine the ABZ /metabolite level by HPLC or subjected to incubation to evaluate the fertility and hatchability. Only ABZSO and ABZSO ₂ metabolites were quantified in egg after ABZ single oral administration with maximum concentrations of 0.47 ± 0.08 and 0.30 ± 0.07 μg/ml, respectively. ABZ and its metabolites were found in eggs after 7‐day ABZ treatments. The egg residue exposure estimated as AUC s (areas under the concentration vs . time curve) were 100.5 (ABZ ), 56.3 (ABZSO ) and 141.3 μg hr g^?1 (ABZSO ₂). ABZ administration did not affect the egg fertility at any dosages. Egg hatchability was not affected by ABZ treatment at 10 mg/kg in medicated feed, but it decreased when the dose was 4–8 times higher. These results should be considered when ABZ is used for deworming laying hens.     

饲粮蛋白质水平对蛋鹌鹑产蛋性能的影响

采用单因子实验设计,将饲粮粗蛋白质设为3个水平,分别为18%、20%、22%,将鹌鹑分为6个组,每组4个重复,每个重复30只鹌鹑,实验阶段为33~40周龄,研究日粮中蛋白质水平对产蛋性能的影响.结果表明:第2组鹌鹑的产蛋量显著高于第1、3组(P<0.05),产蛋率显著高于第1、3组(P<0.05),第3组的平均蛋重显著高于第1、2组(P<0.05);第2组的料蛋比显著低于第1、3组(P<0.01).说明饲料蛋白质水平为20%时,产蛋性能是最佳的,提高蛋白质水平并没有促进鹌鹑的产蛋性能.     

Performance of Four Hybrids of Laying Hens in Modified and Conventional Cages

Abstract

In two trials, production, feed consumption, mortality, egg quality and birds' live weight of a total of 2877 caged laying hens of four hybrids, Dekalb XL, Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Shaver 288 in Trial 1 and ISA Brown and LSL in Trial 2, were studied during full production cycles. The cage designs were Get-away cages (GA) with 15 hens per cage, a special version of the “Edinburgh modified cage” called “Modified and enriched cage” (ME) with 4 ISA or 5 Leghorn hens per cage, conventional cages of metal (CO) with 4 hens per cage and conventional cages of plastic (PL) with 3 hens per cage. GA and ME included nests, perches and sandbaths. LSL produced significantly better than the other hybrids. Shaver had a significantly lower live weight than Dekalb and LSL, while ISA was significantly heavier than LSL. Production in ME was similar to that in conventional cages and, in Trial 2, birds in ME, CO and PL produced significantly better than those in GA. The highest mortality was registered in GA, where in Trial 2 it was significantly higher than in ME. GA gave a significantly higher and CO a lower proportion of cracked eggs than ME and PL. In both trials ME gave significantly lower proportions of dirty eggs than GA and in Trial 2, the lowest. Few differences between the systems were registered regarding interior egg quality. It was concluded that ME is better for production, mortality and management than GA but similar to conventional cages.     

良种鸡与地方鸡杂交试验报告

利用不同品种的良种蛋鸡与本地地方鸡杂交,以提高地方鸡产蛋量、蛋重和淘汰鸡体重.试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、重组分别为湖北红鸡(?)×地方鸡(?)、地方鸡(?)×湖北红鸡(?),地方鸡(?)×罗曼褐商品代(?).第Ⅳ组为地方鸡(?)×地方鸡(?).试验结果表明:Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组与Ⅳ组相比,20周龄体重、42周龄体重、72周龄淘汰鸡体重、产蛋量、蛋重均能有效得到提高,其中42周龄体重和72周龄淘汰鸡体重Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组之间差异不显著,与Ⅳ组相比差异极显著,42周龄平均蛋重Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、组与Ⅳ组相比差异极显著,Ⅲ组与Ⅰ、Ⅱ组相比差异显著.42周龄单枚蛋重Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组与Ⅳ组相比分别增加7.4g、8.54g和10g,72周龄产蛋量Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组与Ⅳ组相比分别增加41、35,55枚.     

冷藏浸酸种减少生种的新方法

将生种率高的蚕种在丙2 胚胎期于5℃再冷藏20～22 天可以减少生种的发生     

外源肌苷酸对种鸡产蛋性能、蛋品质及种蛋孵化性能的影响

本试验通过在种鸡的基础饲粮中加入肌苷酸(IMP)来研究其对种鸡产蛋性能、蛋品质和种蛋孵化性能的影响。选择遗传背景相同、体重相近,产蛋率达到5%的20周龄健康AA种鸡864羽,随机分为2组(对照组饲喂基础饲粮;试验组饲喂基础饲粮+0.5%肌苷酸),每组6个重复,每个重复72羽,试验期30 d。测定试验期间所有种蛋的平均蛋重、产蛋率和合格蛋率;每组随机选取部分种蛋进行蛋品质测定;于孵化开始第17天,通过照蛋处理统计种蛋受精率,第21天出雏时,计算受精蛋孵化率、入孵蛋孵化率和健雏率。试验结果表明:与对照组相比,试验组种鸡的平均蛋重、产蛋率和合格蛋率均有升高的趋势,但差异不显著(P>0.05);蛋形指数显著升高(P<0.05),蛋壳强度、蛋壳厚度和蛋黄颜色显著降低(P<0.05);受精率、受精蛋孵化率和入孵蛋孵化率显著升高(P<0.05),健雏率和雏鸡体重有升高的趋势,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。综上,0.5%外源肌苷酸对种鸡的产蛋性能和种蛋孵化性能均有促进作用。     

Application of Ionized Reactive Oxygen Species for Disinfection of Carcasses,Table Eggs,and Fertile Eggs

We evaluated the effect of ionized reactive oxygen species created using Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) for disinfection of broiler carcasses, table eggs, and treatment of fertile eggs. Previous research has indicated that BIT creates a high concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lyse bacterial cells on contact. Application of BIT to broiler carcasses that had been intentionally inoculated with 1.58 × 10⁶ Salmonella enterica Enteritidis (SE) caused a 1 to 3 log reduction in recoverable SE, depending on the duration of the treatment. Additionally, after inoculation of table eggs with 6.8 × 10⁸ cfu of SE, we recovered SE from 95% fewer eggs following enrichment and found significantly fewer (7.77 and 7.41 log reduction) colony-forming units recovered from eggs treated with BIT compared with nontreated control eggs. We also evaluated whether application of the BIT treatment had any effect on hatchability of broiler breeder eggs to determine whether use of this technology could be feasible in a hatchery environment for disinfection of eggs. There were no significant effects of BIT on the hatchability (of total set) of treated eggs as compared with nontreated control eggs; however, there was a slight numerical increase in hatchability, between 5 and 10% in 2 trials. These data suggest that application of BIT technology to carcasses and table eggs could reduce contamination with pathogens and that the application to fertile eggs may not have effects on hatchability of eggs set.     

外源肌苷酸对种鸡产蛋性能、蛋品质及种蛋孵化性能的影响

本试验通过在种鸡的基础饲粮中加入肌苷酸（IMP）来研究其对种鸡产蛋性能、蛋品质和种蛋孵化性能的影响。选择遗传背景相同、体重相近,产蛋率达到5%的20周龄健康AA种鸡864羽,随机分为2组（对照组饲喂基础饲粮;试验组饲喂基础饲粮＋0.5%肌苷酸）,每组6个重复,每个重复72羽,试验期30 d。测定试验期间所有种蛋的平均蛋重、产蛋率和合格蛋率;每组随机选取部分种蛋进行蛋品质测定;于孵化开始第17天,通过照蛋处理统计种蛋受精率,第21天出雏时,计算受精蛋孵化率、入孵蛋孵化率和健雏率。试验结果表明：与对照组相比,试验组种鸡的平均蛋重、产蛋率和合格蛋率均有升高的趋势,但差异不显著（P>0.05）;蛋形指数显著升高（P<0.05）,蛋壳强度、蛋壳厚度和蛋黄颜色显著降低（P<0.05）;受精率、受精蛋孵化率和入孵蛋孵化率显著升高（P<0.05）,健雏率和雏鸡体重有升高的趋势,但差异不显著（P>0.05）。综上,0.5%外源肌苷酸对种鸡的产蛋性能和种蛋孵化性能均有促进作用。     

Nutritive constituents of Silky fowl eggs: comparison with hen eggs of White Leghorn origin

In the present study, proportional parts, amounts of major constituents, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids composition of Silky fowl eggs were examined compared with those of hen eggs. The ratio of egg yolk weight to whole egg weight of Silky fowl egg was significantly larger than that of egg yolk of hen egg. The amount of cholesterol of Silky fowl eggs were significantly (P < 0.01) less than those of hen eggs. The amount of vitamins (B2, B6, D and E), calcium and potassium in Silky fowl eggs were significantly higher than those of hen eggs. Unsaturated fatty acids in Silky fowl eggs were 62.5% among total fatty acids, the unsaturated fatty acids of hen eggs were 53.9%. Especially, the contents of arachidonic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in Silky fowl eggs were significantly larger than in hen eggs.     

大恒优质肉鸡S01、S05、S06、S08四个品系蛋品质的比较研究

种蛋品质是影响种鸡性能的重要因素。本研究对大恒优质肉鸡S01、S05、S06和S08四个品系父母代种蛋的蛋重、蛋形指数、蛋壳强度、蛋壳厚度、蛋白高度、哈氏单位、血肉斑率等蛋品质指标进行了研究分析。结果显示：四个品系在蛋重、蛋形指数、蛋白高度和哈氏单位等指标方面有显著差异（P〈0．05）。S08品系蛋重最大,S05、S06居中,S01最小;S08品系蛋形指数最大,S01、S06居中,S05最小;S05、S06品系蛋白高度、哈氏单位显著优于S01,与S08没有显著差异。蛋壳厚度、蛋壳强度和血肉斑率各品系之间没有差异（P〉0．05）。结果表明大恒优质肉鸡父母代四个品系的蛋品质较好,品系间存在明显差异,可为进一步的品系改良提供很好的素材。     

Impact of Hatching Egg Weight and Egg Shape Index on Hatching Results in Zi Goose

This paper was aimed to study the impact of hatching egg weights and egg shape indexs on hatching of Zi goose,and then sum up the best scheme for hatching eggs screening,so as to provide scientific reference for the selection and retention of Zi goose individuals and family hatching eggs,as well as the breeding and incubation production.2469 hatching eggs of Zi geese of the second year were chosen with the weight range of 94.8 to 154.4 g and an average weight of (123.3±9.5) g;the egg shape index range was 1.24~1.63 and the average index was 1.45±0.05.Using 2 factors 4 levels test design,the weight and the shape index of eggs were divided into four levels and all the eggs were separated into 16 hatching groups.The weight and the shape index were measured and labeled on eggshells.Two hatching experiments were conducted in the same instrument and the hatching conditions were same.The results showed that:① Egg fertility rate was the highest in egg weight <118.0 g group,followed by >131.9 g group;Hatchability of fertilized eggs was the highest in >131.9 g group,followed by 125.0~131.9 g group,and the hatchability of fertilized eggs increased along with the increase of egg weight;The highest healthy chick rate of breeding egg hatching lay in 125.0~131.9 g group,followed by >131.9 g group;The highest breeding egg hatching gosling birth weight lay in >131.9 group.② When egg shape index was between 1.47 to 1.51,the egg fertility rate and healthy chick rate were the highest,followed by >1.51 group;In the group 1.47 to 1.51,hatchability of fertilized eggs was the highest,followed by 1.42 to 1.46 group.In conclusion,hatching egg weight of Zi goose had significant impact on egg fertility rate,hatchability of fertilized eggs,healthy chick rate and gosling birth weight (P<0.05),and the egg weight of Zi goose between 125.0~154.4 g was advisable;on the other hand,egg shape index also had significant impact on egg fertility rate,hatchability of fertilized eggs and healthy chick rate (P<0.05),but had no impact on gosling birth weight (P>0.05),and the egg shape index between 1.47 to 1.51 was appropriate.Egg fertility rate,hatchability of fertilized eggs,healthy chick rate and gosling birth weight were affected by interaction of egg weight and shape index.Compared with the weight of eggs,the egg shape index had greater influence on healthy geese rate.The egg shape index had no direct impact on birth weight of young geese,but it could be influenced by the interaction between the egg shape index and the weight.Thus it was not very scientific to take either the weight or the index as the only basis for choosing qualified hatching eggs.     

籽鹅种蛋蛋重与蛋形指数对孵化效果影响的研究

本试验旨在研究不同水平蛋重与蛋形指数对籽鹅种蛋孵化效果的影响,进而总结出种蛋筛选的最佳方案,为籽鹅个体、家系种蛋的选留及籽鹅的繁衍、孵化、生产提供科学参考。选取二年籽鹅种蛋2 469枚,蛋重为94.8~154.4 g,平均蛋重（123.3±9.5）g;蛋形指数为1.24~1.63,平均蛋形指数1.45±0.05。采用2因素4水平试验设计,将所有种蛋按蛋重与蛋形指数分成16个孵化组（蛋重与蛋形指数分别分为4个水平）,测量每枚种蛋蛋重与蛋形指数,并在蛋壳上做好编号,在相同孵化条件、同一孵化设备中进行两次孵化试验。结果表明,①蛋重<118.0 g组种蛋受精率最高,>131.9 g组次之;>131.9 g组种蛋受精蛋孵化率最高,125.0~131.9 g组次之,且受精蛋孵化率随着蛋重增大升高;125.0~131.9 g组种蛋孵化健雏率最高,>131.9 g组次之;>131.9 g组种蛋孵出鹅雏出生重最大。②蛋形指数在1.47~1.51组种蛋受精率及种蛋孵化健雏率最高,>1.51组次之;1.47~1.51组种蛋受精蛋孵化率最高,1.42~1.46组次之。分析以上结果可得出：籽鹅种蛋蛋重对种蛋受精率、受精蛋孵化率、健雏率、鹅雏出生重有显著影响（P<0.05）,以籽鹅蛋重在125.0~154.4 g为宜;蛋形指数对种蛋受精率、受精蛋孵化率、健雏率亦有显著影响（P<0.05）,对种蛋孵出鹅雏出生重无影响（P>0.05）,以蛋形指数在1.47~1.51为宜。籽鹅种蛋蛋重与蛋形指数对受精率、受精蛋孵化率、健雏率、鹅雏出生重的影响均存在交互作用。其中,蛋形指数对种蛋孵化健雏率的影响较蛋重强,其作为单一因素对鹅雏出生重无影响。以上结果表明,以蛋重或蛋形指数任一因素作为种蛋筛选的依据都不科学,应综合考虑以达到种蛋优选的目的。     

Cassava root chips andMoringa oleifera leaf meal as alternative feed ingredients in the layer ration

A study was conducted to evaluate effects of cassava root chips (CRC) andMoringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) inclusion in layer rations on egg laying performance, egg quality parameters, fertility, and hatchability. One hundred twenty Dominant CZ layers, 22 wk of age, and 12 cocks were used and equally divided into 4 dietary treatments with 3 replications. Treatment rations contained CRC and MOLM [i.e., T₁ (0% CRC and 0% MOLM), T₂ (50% CRC and 0% MOLM), T₃ (0% CRC and 5% MOLM), and T₄ (50% CRC and 5% MOLM)]. The CRC and MOLM were used to substitute for 100% corn grain and 5% soybean meal, respectively. Hens were weighed at the start and end of the experiment and BW change was calculated. Data on DM intake, hen-day egg production, egg weight, and egg mass were recorded daily. Egg quality parameters were determined at an interval of 15 d on 4 eggs per replicate. Fertility and hatchability of eggs, as well as mortality of birds and embryonic mortality of fertile eggs during the incubation period were recorded. From the chemical analysis, the calculated ME content of CRC was 3,852 kcal/kg of DM and the CP content of MOLM was 28%. The DM intake of birds, hen-day egg production, egg mass, FE, and mortality rate were not influenced by treatments. Body weight change and egg weight were higher for T₄ as compared with other treatments. Most external and internal egg quality parameters, especially yolk color, were improved when the diet contained MOLM. Fertility showed nonsignificant differences among treatments. However, hatchability percentage for T₁ was lower than the other treatments. In conclusion, CRC at 50% of the diet, CRC replacing corn grain 100%, or MOLM at 5% of the diet replacing soybean meal can impart similar or better positive effects on egg production, egg quality parameters, eggs fertility, and hatchability of Dominant CZ layers. Thus, 50% CRC, 5% MOLM, or a combination of both can successfully be used in the diet of layers as energy and protein feed ingredients, respectively.     

饲粮维生素A对扬州鹅种蛋品质和抗氧化性能的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加不同水平维生素A对扬州鹅种蛋品质和抗氧化性能的影响。选取180日龄、体重相近的健康扬州鹅种鹅90只,随机分成5组(Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组),每组15只母鹅、3只公鹅。I组为对照组,饲喂基础饲粮;Ⅱ～Ⅴ组为试验组,分别在基础饲粮中添加4 000、8 000、12 000、16 000 IU/kg的维生素A。试验期为28周。结果表明:1)试验组种蛋哈氏单位极显著高于对照组(P<0.01); 12 000 IU/kg添加组蛋壳厚度极显著高于对照组(P<0.01),且显著高于8 000和16 000 IU/kg添加组(P <0.05),4 000 IU/kg添加组显著高于对照组(P<0.05); 4 000和12 000 IU/kg添加组蛋黄颜色极显著深于对照组(P<0.01),8 000 IU/kg添加组显著深于对照组(P<0.05);试验组种蛋比重显著高于对照组(P<0.05),且12 000和16 000 IU/kg添加组极显著高于对照组(P<0.01); 4 000和8 000 IU/kg添加组蛋黄比例显著高于对照组(P <0. 05),且8 000 IU/kg添加组极显著高于对照组(P <0. 01),12 000和16 000 IU/kg添加组与对照组相比有提高的趋势(P=0. 058,P=0. 066)。2) 4 000、8 000和12 000 IU/kg添加组蛋黄超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性极显著高于对照组(P<0.01),8 000 IU/kg添加组显著高于16 000 IU/kg添加组(P<0.05),12 000与16 000 IU/kg添加组之间差异极显著(P<0.01); 4 000和8 000 IU/kg添加组蛋黄丙二醛(MDA)含量显著低于对照组(P<0.05),12 000 IU/kg添加组与对照组相比有降低的趋势(P=0.084); 12 000 IU/kg添加组蛋黄总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)显著高于对照组(P<0.05),4 000和8 000 IU/kg添加组与对照组相比有提高的趋势(P=0.087,P=0.051); 8 000和12 000 IU/kg添加组蛋黄谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量极显著高于对照组、4 000和16 000 IU/kg添加组(P <0. 01)。综上所述,种鹅饲粮中添加8 000～12 000 IU/kg的维生素A能提高种蛋的蛋品质,提高蛋黄抗氧化能力,降低脂质过氧化产物,提高种蛋的抗氧化性能。     

Introduction: Reducing Salmonella Enteritidis contamination of shell eggs

Salmonella Enteritidis is a leading food-borne pathogen in the United States, with many outbreaks in humans traced back to shell eggs. As a result, the implementation of effective strategies for reducing Salmonella Enteritidis in commercial layer flocks has become a critical public health and economic objective. In this paper, we share the findings of 2 multistate USDA-National Integrated Food Safety Initiative grant teams and their work aimed at Salmonella Enteritidis reduction in shell eggs. One project, led by K. Venkitanarayanan, is using plant-derived antimicrobial molecules as dietary supplements to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis colonization of the digestive and reproductive tract of chickens. The same molecules are being evaluated for their effect on Salmonella Enteritidis in egg wash solutions. The project led by S. Kariyawasam used on-farm investigation and novel bacterial typing methods to study Salmonella Enteritidis transmission in diverse layer environments to update and optimize Egg Quality Assurance Programs that will significantly reduce Salmonella Enteritidis contamination of shell eggs. The current US Food and Drug Administration Egg Safety Rule and Egg Quality Assurance Programs are based on critical control points and best management practices developed from studies of large flocks (>50,000 hens) conducted in the 1990s, indicating that opportunities exist to improve preharvest programs to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. This paper will share the findings of these 2 projects.     

不同用桑量与蚕种产量质量关系的试验初报

以原蚕品种云7、云8和荆桑、湖桑32号为试验材料,调查分析不同用桑量与蚕种产量及质量的关系。认为克蚁用桑量掌握在63～81kg比较适当,过多过少给桑都不利于蚕的生长发育和饲养成绩的提高。     

Assessing exterior egg quality indicators using machine vision

ABSTRACT

1. The objective of this study was to develop a machine vision method for analysing exterior parameters of chicken eggs to automate the stage of primary sorting.

2. The developed algorithm based on predetermined thresholds calculated egg quality indicators, including geometric dimensions, shape index and the mottling grade. The algorithm was implemented with an experimental setup that combined the image-based and the candling methods. A total of 400 egg samples were analysed.

3. Comparison of results of the algorithm with those obtained using the traditional manual method showed that mean value of radii values difference was 0.095 ± 0.058 mm for the sharp and 0.080 ± 0.047 mm for the blunt end of the egg, with standard deviations of 0.58 mm and 0.49 mm, respectively.

4. The correlation coefficient between the shape index values determined by the two methods was 0.93; the standard deviation of absolute differences between corresponding values was 1.05%.

5. The results of mottling grade estimation were compared using F-measure and confusion matrix.

6. The results allow the possibility to perform the assessment of egg exterior quality factors in an automatic mode, independent of the expertise of a grader.