A Field Survey of Ranch Egg Quality

WIDE differences in quality of eggs obtained from different ranches have often been observed. Such differences have been ascribed variously to a number of different factors. Poultrymen usually prefer to attribute their egg quality problems to feeding practices, to seasonal factors, or to the region or location of the ranch. These possible sources of influence and others, such as genetic factors, bird age, and egg environment, have also been studied under laboratory conditions. Between the carefully controlled conditions of laboratory experiment and the necessities of commercial ranch operation lies a wide gulf, and in this is the source of much confusion and discordant conclusions. The present survey was undertaken in an attempt to bridge this gulf, to evaluate the influence of some of the factors described, either by casual report or from the laboratory, on the interior quality of commercially produced eggs. The results of this survey thus are not . . .