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The aim of this study was to determine the effect of layer age on some production traits and on external and internal egg quality characteristics of Japanese quails (Commix coturnix japonica). Animal material of this research was consisted of 90 female quails. Egg production, egg weight, and some egg quality characteristics were taken into consideration.
Egg quality characteristics were measured at 9-23 weeks of age. Average egg production (%Hen Day) at 9'\ ll'\ 13,h, 15,h. 17,h. 19'\ 21s', and 23rd weeks of age were 24.44, 70.08, 78.65, 72.30, 91.51, 94.21, 91.19 and 86.37% respectively. Average shape index (%). yolk weight (g). albumen weight (g), shell weight (g), shell thickness (mm), and Haugh unit values were 75.72%. 3.54 g, 6.77 g. 0.852 g, 0.233 mm and 80.94. respectively.
The result show that effect of layer age on egg production, and external and internal egg quality characteristics were significant (p<0.01) in this study. As the quail age increased, egg weight, shell weight (except 23rd week), yolk weight (except 21s1 week), and albumen weight (except 23rd week) increased, while shell thickness. Haugh unit, albumen index and yolk index decreased.