The Influence of High Environmental Temperature on Specific Gravity and Albumen Quality of Hen Eggs

BENNION and Warren (1933) showed that the components of the egg decreased in weight when hens were exposed to high environmental temperature. The shell and albumen decreased considerably more than the yolk in proportion to their weight which indicates that the oviduct may be more sensitive than the ovary to high environmental temperatures. Hunter, Van Wagenen and Hall (1934) reported that there was a seasonal trend in interior quality of hen’s eggs, showing a lowering of this quality beginning with March or April and continuing through the summer. Lorenz and Almquist (1936) showed that egg weight is decreased by increased air temperature during the formation of the egg, but the percentage of firm white and shell weight are not affected by the air temperature during this time. Knox and Godfrey (1938) reported a progressive decrease in thick albumen of eggs during the laying year. This suggested a decrease in albumen…