Research Article

The Influences of Maternal Hormones on The Quality Characteristics of Incubating Eggs

Number: Advanced Online Publication March 24, 2026
EN TR

The Influences of Maternal Hormones on The Quality Characteristics of Incubating Eggs

Abstract

The quality of the egg formed in the body of the laying hen is determined by hormones transferred to the yolk from the maternal. This study aimed to examine the effects of testosterone and corticosterone in egg yolk and their interaction on egg quality traits. The experimental design was based on averages of significant correlations between steroid hormone levels in a total of 48 hatching egg yolks from the Ross 308 genotype. Based on these mean values, the groups were categorised as low testosterone and low corticosterone (LT and LC) and high testosterone and high corticosterone (HT and HC). Egg, albumen, and shell quality characteristics were measured in all groups. The testosterone hormone in the yolk had a significant effect on the quality characteristics of the egg and albumen, but did not affect shell quality characteristics. Egg weight, shape index, and albumen weight were significantly higher in the LT group than in the HT group. In the LC group, egg and albumen weights increased, while the shape index, albumen height, and shell thickness at the ventral and equatorial ends decreased in the LC group compared to the HC group. The interaction between egg yolk testosterone and corticosterone had a significant effect on egg weight, shape index, albumen quality traits, shell thickness, and shell density. The findings showed that, in contrast to the individual hormone levels in the egg yolk, the interaction between testosterone and corticosterone levels in the egg yolk more effectively influenced external and internal quality characteristics of the egg. However, steroid-derived hormones in the egg yolk revealed hormone-specific effects on egg formation.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

no

Project Number

Bu çalışma yazarın maddi olanakları ile yapılmıştır. bir proje kapsamında finansal bir destek alınmamıştıır.

Ethical Statement

The eggs used in this study were obtained from a commercial broiler breeding company, with all measurements taken from the eggs. The research only included non-invasive procedures.

References

  1. Anonymous, (2011). https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2011/12/20111213-4.htm.
  2. Babacanoğlu, E., Yalçin, S., & Uysal, S. (2013). Evaluation of a stress model induced by dietary corticosterone supplementation in broiler breeders effects on egg yolk corticosterone concentration and biochemical blood parameters. British Poultry Science, 54(6), 677–685. DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2013.847901
  3. Babacanoğlu Çakır, E. (2024). In ovo injection of testosterone to yolk sac modulates early posthatching development and physiology of male chick in broilers. Poultry Science, 103(3), 103389. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103389
  4. Bar, A. (2009). Calcium transport in strongly calcifying laying birds: mechanisms and regulation. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 152(4), 447-469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.11.020
  5. Çanga, D., Yavuz, E., & Efe, E. (2021). Prediction of Egg Weight Using MARS data mining Algorithm through R. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım ve Doğa Dergisi, 24(1), 242-251. https://doi.org/ 10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.716880
  6. Dean, C. R. (2022). Effects of Exogenous Testosterone Treatment and Social Interaction on Rapid Yolk Deposition in Laying Hens.  University of Georgia ProQuest Dissertations & Theses,  28968407. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2682292433? fromopenview=true&pqorigsite=gscholar&sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses.
  7. Downing, J. A.., Bryden, W. L., Barnett, J., & Stewart, G. (2005). Non-Invasive Stress Assessment of Commercial Egg Industry Practices. Report to the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation RIRDC, Canberra Project US-107A; p.41-58.
  8. Downing, J, A., & Bryden, W. L. (2008). Determination of corticosterone concentrations in egg albumen: a non-invasive indicator of stress in laying hens. Physiology and Behavior, 20, 95(3), 381-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.07.001

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Poultry Farming and Treatment

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

March 24, 2026

Publication Date

March 24, 2026

Submission Date

February 6, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Babacanoğlu Çakır, E. (2026). The Influences of Maternal Hormones on The Quality Characteristics of Incubating Eggs. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım Ve Doğa Dergisi, Advanced Online Publication, 1089-1097. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.1883524


International Peer Reviewed Journal
Free submission and publication
Published 6 times a year



88x31.png


KSU Journal of Agriculture and Nature

e-ISSN: 2619-9149