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Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Morphometric and Morphology of Indigenous Chicken Eggs Quality Parameters in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Usman Abdulkadir*,  Beshir Hussien,  Tesfa Geleta,  Nebi Husen
Published in Science Discovery Food (Volume 1, Issue 3)
Received: 30 March 2026     Accepted: 3 August 2026     Published: 11 September 2026
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Abstract

Indigenous chicken egg was becomes very concerned food in Ethiopia as consumers were highly attractive to eat them. Egg is rich with valuable proteins, vitamins and minerals. The external and internal quality parameters were the main determinant for consumption preference and hatching egg. The egg of indigenous chicken was more preferred among local consumers due to its flovour and tastes. However, there was limited information and, gap of standardized document on egg qualities indigenous chicken ecotypes in this area. Therefore, this study was conducted with objectives of evaluating egg quality parameters of indigenous chicken eggs and characterize external and internal egg quality traits to establish a base for indigenous chicken designing breeding program under smallholder farmers in selected districts of East Shewa and West Arsi zones, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 1200 fresh egg were used in this study. The results of study revealed that overall mean egg weight indigenous chicken in this study was 41.28±3.4.8g. The overall mean egg length and egg width in this study were 51.12±2.5mm and 37.82±1.6mm respectively. The egg shape index in current study was 74.15±3.6%. The egg shell weight of indigenous chickens in current study was 4.8±0.8g with shell ratio of 11.8 ± 2.6%. The overall mean yolk weight and albumen weight of indigenous chickens’ egg in this study area were 15.4±2.6g and 20.4± 3.4g respectively with albumen ratio and yolk ratio of 38.12±5.4% and 50.25±5.6% respectively. The overall estimated haugh unit of indigenous chicken egg in present study was 78. The indigenous chicken egg in the current study showed a normal shape. On the other hand, egg size of indigenous of this study was categorized under small size based on standard egg quality parameters set and thus, need further improvement for better productivity of indigenous chicken under prevailing production system.

Published in Science Discovery Food (Volume 1, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15
Page(s) 136-143
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group
Previous article
Keywords

Egg Size, Normal Shape, Quality Traits, Egg Quality Ratio

1. Introduction
The chicken egg is a biological structure proposed by nature for reproduction and providing a complete diet for the developing embryo
[20]
. On the other hand, it is one of poultry product used to reduce animal protein deficiency in the nutrition of smallholder farmers. Therefore it quality parameters were very important hatching better quality chicks and human consumption. Quality of eggs and preserving that quality is a function of physical structure and chemical composition. The quality of an egg ascertains the success of a poultry business because it is associated with the acceptability among the consumers
[18]
. Egg quality traits are foremost selection standard in poultry. The egg quality is one of most important economic factor in poultry industry for both hatching and table eggs
[13]
. Egg quality is a factor that contributes to the better economic price of fertile and table eggs. Smallholders’ farmers in village keep chicken for different purpose and the main purpose and objective was for egg production to sell in local market
[23]
. Therefore it crucial to evaluate its external and internal quality parameters of egg. The quality of egg determined based on both external and internal quality parameters. The external and internal egg quality traits were influenced by factors such as agro-ecology, breeding, and their interaction
[19]
. External and internal egg quality traits are the determinant factors for the embryonic development of an egg and latter for the viability of the new hatched chick
[17]
. The external quality of the egg is determined by features such as the egg weight and shape of the egg, shell thickness, and strength of the shell
[5]
. Egg weight is also one of the important phenotypic traits that affects egg quality and reproductive fitness of the chicken
[12]
. Egg shape index is defined as the ratio of width to length of the egg, and it is an important criterion in determining egg quality. The shell thickness measure shell strength mainly for reduce egg shell breakages
[3, 6]
. The internal quality is measured based various internal components such as weight of yolk, albumen weight and its contents ratio and yolk color. As regards the internal egg quality characteristics, thick albumen is quite an important measure for the freshness of an egg
[27]
. The albumen weight was influenced by the agro-ecological variation
[8]
. Haugh unit is one internal egg quality that was considered as a typical measure of albumen quality. Haugh unit is also dependent on management system of birds, quality and quantity of feed, production environment and also storage condition of the eggs
[2]
. With current increasing human population of Ethiopia, the poultry products particularly egg was considered as future food concerns, due short generation and high reproductive rate of chickens. Furthermore, in the market consumers prefer indigenous chicken’s eggs over eggs from exotic chicken. The market value of eggs from indigenous chicken is also relatively higher even its size is smaller than exotic chicken’s eggs. Understanding the quality of eggs laid by chickens is essential as it serves as an indicator of productivity, overall chicken care, business success and embryonic development. However, there was no research work on identifying of egg quality parameters of indigenous chicken egg in this area. Therefore, it was conducted to identify egg quality parameters of indigenous chicken ecotype for genetic improvement of chicken genetic resources on sustainable basis for smallholder village poultry producers.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Description of the Study Area
The study was conducted in Bora, Adama and Lume districts from East Shewa zone and Siraro, Shashemene, Dodola and districts from West Arsi zone.
Bora district: The Bora district is located in the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia within the Great Rift Valley. Its administrative center is the town of Bote. Its coordinates are roughly 8.30°N latitude and 38.95°E longitude. It is located about 238 kilometers South of Addis Ababa. Its features was a semi-arid climate and experiences warm, dry conditions with average daytime temperatures of 25°C to 27°C. The district receives an average annual rainfall of 700 mm to 800 mm and one main rainy season between June and September. The altitude of district generally ranges from 1,611 to 2,000 masl.
Adama district: The Adama district is found East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia. The administrative town, Adama is located 99 km southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa. The district features altitude ranges from 1,415 to 2,505 masl. The districts lies 8°14' N to 8°40' N and a longitude of 39°4' to 39°29' E. The Annual temperatures generally range from 15°C to 28°C. The weather is mostly hot and dry during the winter, and warm and sunny during the summer. The area receives an average of 700 to 800 mm of rain annually.
Lume district: The Lume district is located in the East Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia. It is Located about 70 km southeast of Addis Ababa. Its latitude between 8°24' and 8°50' North and a longitude of 39°01' to 39°28' East. Its altitude ranges from 1,500 to 2,300 masl. The district is generally warm, with average highs usually ranging between 23°C and 28°C throughout the year. The hottest months are typically from April to June. The annual rainfall typically falls between 700 mm and 850 mm. The main wet season (Kiremt) occurs during July and August.
Siraro district: Siraro is a rural district in the West Arsi Zone of Ethiopia's Oromia Region. It is located about 330 km south of Addis Ababa. It lies in the Great Rift Valley, with altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,750 masl. The district generally characterized by a semi-arid to sub-humid tropical climate.
Shashemene district: The Shashamane district found in the West Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. It located 250 kilometers south of Addis Ababa. Sitting in the Great Rift Valley, its geographic coordinates are 7°14' N latitude and 38°36' E longitude, at an elevation of 2,053 masl. The annual average temperatures of the district is between 20°C and 28°C.
Dodola district: Dodola District is located in the West Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region, southeastern Ethiopia. It sits at latitude and longitude 06° 59' N 39° 11' E and lies at an elevation of 2,362 to 2,493 masl. Dodola district experiences a mild highland climate, with average temperatures generally ranging from 9°C to 26°C (48°F to 79°F) year-round. The total rainfall of the district generally ranges between 1,000mm and 1,200mm annually.
Figure 1. Map of study area.
2.2. Sampling and Data Collection
The egg quality parameters evaluation were taken from a total of 1200 (200 eggs purchased from six districts). A total of eight (12) Kebeles, (2) Kebeles per district were selected purposively based on potentiality of indigenous chicken population and accessibility to main road for ease data collection. The fresh eggs were purchased from village households. The households were previously informed to prepare eggs laid within few days. Then eggs were purchased and transported to Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center for taking egg quality parameters. At time of purchasing external cleanness and surface breakage of the egg was observed before purchased. Additionally, the freshness of eggs was also checked through pointing to sun light and observation physical feature.
2.3. Egg Quality Trait Measurement
The weight of egg was measured using digital balance. The egg width and length was measured using digital caliper. For internal egg quality measurement traits, egg was gentle broken on flat plate and albumen and yolk was carefully separated. The albumen weight and yolk weight were measured using sensitive balance. Shell thickness was measured using digital caliper after removal of the inner shell membrane. The egg shell thickness was measured on eggs taken from middle and both end points. The averages of the three points were used as the thickness of the egg. Albumen height and yolk height was determined using tripod micrometer. Yolk color was recorded from Roche fan color (1–15) levels. Haugh unit was computed from Haugh unit calculate Table by considering albumen height (mm) and egg weight (g). The egg shape index, egg shell ratio, yolk ratio and albumen ratio were calculated using the following formulae.
Egg shape index=Egg width (mm)×(100%)/(Egg length (mm))
Shell ratio(%)=shell weight (g)×(100%)/Egg weight (g))
Yolk Ratio=yolk weight (g)×(100%))/Egg weight (g))
Albumen ratio=Albumen weight (g)×(100%))/Egg weight (g))
2.4. Statistical Analysis
The data collected from egg quality parameters were analyzed using GLM procedures (SAS, 2012 version 9.3) by adjusting zones as independent variables. The parameters expressed in terms of ratio or percentage was first converted to target parameters using Microsoft Excel 2010.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. External Egg Quality Parameters
3.1.1. Egg Weight
The results of current study revealed that the overall mean of egg weight in the study area was 41.28±3.4 (Table 1). This result was similar with
[11, 28]
who reported average egg weight of 41.13±1.26g and 41.89 ±3.98g respectively. On contrary, egg weight value of present study was lower than findings of
[14, 25]
who reported average egg weight of indigenous chicken 43.9 ±4.7g and 49.41±445g in respectively. Similarly,
[27]
reported egg weight higher than current study which was of 45.20±5.53g for local chicken in Hawasa town. This difference might be due to management; as chicken reared in town get better management thus laid relatively larger size egg than village chicken. Based on UNESE [2010] standard, the egg less than 53g weight was considered as small size. Based this standard, the egg weight of current study was classified under small size egg.
3.1.2. Egg Length
The egg length in the current study was 51.12±2.5mm (Table 1). This result was slightly similar with findings of
[9]
who reported mean grand egg length of 51.76±0.21mm in western Oromia, Ethiopia. On the other hand, the result of presented study was slightly higher than findings of
[26]
who reported egg length of 49.84±2.584mm in Siltie zone, Ethiopia. However, the result of present study was lower than egg length of 53.25±2.80mm reported by
[16]
.
3.1.3. Egg Width
The overall egg width in the current study was 37.82±1.6 mm (Table 1). This result was slightly lower similar with findings of
[29]
who reported average egg width of 38.24 ± 0.19mm in Northern Ethiopia. On the other hand, the result of current study was slightly higher than egg width value of 36.74±0.14mm reported by
[9]
in Western Oromia, Ethiopia. On contrary, higher than present study result egg width of 40.31±0.12mm was reported by
[22]
for Indigenous Free Range Chicken Eggs in Lusaka, Zambia.
3.1.4. Egg Shape Index
The egg shape index in present study (74.15±3.6%) (Table 1). This result was similar with findings of
[24]
who reported 74.10 ± 0.45% in Western Kenya. Higher than current study of 75.21±4.276% egg shape index was reported by
[26]
in Siltie Zone of Ethiopia. On other hand, result of current study was higher than findings of
[25]
and
[14]
who reported of egg shape index 72.2% in Southern Ethiopia and 72.66±4.95 in Sidama region of Ethiopia respectively. Eggs are categorized into three shape groups: Sharp (<72), normal (72-76) and round (>76). Based on this classification, the eggs of indigenous chicken’s current in the study classified as normal shape.
3.1.5. Shell Weight
The mean egg shell weight in present study was 4.8±0.8g (Table 1). This result was slightly similar with findings of
[15]
who reported egg shell weight of 4.38±0.66g in Sidama region. On the other hand, slightly higher than current result of average shell weight of 5.10 ± 0.06g and 5.33 ± 0.25g were reported by
[29]
and
[7]
) in Northern and southwestern, Ethiopia respectively. On contrary, the result of this study was slightly higher than report of
[26]
who reported egg shell weight of 3.42±0.567g in Siltie zone, Ethiopia.
3.1.6. Shell Thickness
The egg shell thickness in the present study was 0.3±0.04mm (Table 1). This result was Similar with
[19]
who was reported average egg shell thickness of 0.31 ± 0.03mm, 0.3 ± 0.02mm and 0.32 ± 0.02mm in Highland, midland and lowland respectively in Silte zone, Southern Ethiopia. On contrary, value higher than current study of 0.36 ± 0.01mm and (0.37 mm) egg shell thickness were reported by
[29]
and
[1]
in Northern Ethiopia and Ethiopian naked neck chickens reared under improved production system respectively. On other hand, the shell thickness in the present study was slightly higher than findings of
[10]
who reported that 0.26 mm in Northwestern Ethiopia.
3.1.7. Shell Ratio
The overall egg shell ratio in current study was 11.8±2.6% (Table 1). In normal cases the percentage of yolk ratio of egg was ranges from 8%-12% with average of 11%. Based on standard egg shell ratio indigenous chickens egg in this study area had normal egg shell percentage. The result of present study was slightly higher than egg shell ratio of 10.55% reported by
[9]
in western Oromia, Ethiopia. On contrary, the result of present study was lower than findings of
[22]
who reported mean shell ratio of 12.78±0.06% for free range indigenous chicken in Lusaka, Zambia. On the other hand, the value in the current study was higher than findings of
[8]
who reported mean shell ratio of 8.77±1.74%, 8.30±1.20 and 9.15±1.685 in lowland, midland and highland respectively agro ecology in Southern, Ethiopia.
Table 1. External egg quality traits of indigenous chicken in the study area.

Parameters (Mean±SD)

Study zones

Overall

East Shewa

West Arsi

Egg weight (g)

40.96±4.6

41.5±5.2

41.28±3.4

Egg length (mm)

51.53± 2.6

50.64± 2.9

51.12±2.5

Egg width (mm)

38.22±1.8

37.44±1.6

37.82±1.6

Shape index (%)

74.2±3.7

73.9±4.1

74.15±3.6

Shell weight (g)

5.0±0.02

4.4±0.73

4.8±0.8

Shell thickness (mm)

0.30±0.04

0.31 ±0.04

0.31±0.03

Shell ratio (%)

12.4±1.4

11.4±1.5

11.8±2.6
mm=millimeter, g=gram, %, = percent
3.2. Internal Egg Quality Parameters
3.2.1. Yolk Weight
The overall mean yolk weight in present study was 15.1±2.6g (Table 2). This result was similar with findings of
[4]
and
[16]
who reported average egg yolk weight of 15.06g and 15.21±0.27g in Kutaber district, South Wollo of Ethiopia and Gena Bossa district of Dawro zone respectively. On the other hand, the result of current study was lower than findings of
[15]
who reported yolk of 17.86±1.96g in Sidama region of Ethiopia. Similarly, higher than current study results of 16.90±2.60g, 16.80±2.00g and 16.40±2.17g yolk weight were reported by
[8]
in lowland, midland and highland agroecology of southern Ethiopia respectively.
3.2.2. Yolk Height
The overall yolk height in this study was 14.2 ±1.2mm (Table 2). This result was slightly similar to finding of
[26]
who reported yolk height of 14.97±1.169mm in Siltie Zone, Ethiopia. On other hand, the result of this study was lower than mean yolk height of 16.17±2.24mm in lowland, 15.70±1.31mm in midland and 16.80±1.10mm in highland reported by
[15]
in Sidama region, Ethiopia. Similarly, mean yolk height of 15.69±1.31mm was reported by
[14]
.
3.2.3. Yolk Ratio
The overall mean yolk ratio in this study was 36.8±5.5 % (Table 2). In normal cases the percentage of yolk ratio of egg was ranges from 27% -32% with average of 30%. Based on this standard, egg of indigenous chickens in the study had higher egg yolk ratio. The result of present study was similar with findings of
[15]
who reported yolk ratio of 36.17±3.92% in Sidama region, Ethiopia. Similarly,
[8]
was reported mean yolk ratio of 36.716.90±2.60 16.80±2.00 16.40±2.170±5.84% and 36.40±4.81% in lowland and highland respectively in southern Ethiopia. The same authors were reported lower present study value of 34.90±4.46% yolk ratio in midland agro ecology. On the other hand, the result of current study was higher than findings of
[9]
who reported yolk ratio of 34.99% in western Oromia, Ethiopia. The result of current study was slightly lower report of
[26]
who reported egg yolk ratio of 38.96±3.754% in Siltie zone, Ethiopia.
3.2.4. Yolk Color
The overall mean yolk color indigenous chickens in this study were 5.18±1.3 (Table 2). This result was much lower yolk color of 9.22±0.83 and 8.37 ±0.15 reported by
[26]
and
[16]
) in Siltie Zone, Ethiopia and in Gena Bossa district of Dawro zone, South Ethiopia respectively. The difference in yolk color might be due to availability of green feed as affected by season. In current study, there was higher yolk color value was observed in East Shewa zone than West Arsi zone. This might be due to eggs from East Shewa zone was collected where chickens more access to green feed for scavenging or at time of green feed availability in the study area.
3.2.5. Albumen Weight
The overall mean albumen weight in this study were 20.4± 3.4g (Table 2). This result was similar with finding of
[28]
who reported average egg white weight of 21.45 ±1.71g for Konde chicken ecotype in Centre East in Burkina Faso. On contrary, much higher than current of study result of 28.13±0.58g albumen weight was reported by
[21]
from indigenous chicken of India. This difference might be due to ecotype breed difference and others management aspects.
3.2.6. Albumen Height
The average albumen height in this study was 5.24±2.8mm (Table 2). This results was slightly nearby to the results of
[3]
who reported (5.79 mm) albumen height for local Kei chicken raised in Guraghe zone. On the other hand,
[26]
and
[9]
who were reported albumen height of 4.59±0.749mm and 4.48±0.07 mm which was slightly lower than this study in Siltie Zone and western Oromia of Ethiopia respectively. On contrary, the result of current study was lower than albumen height value of 6.26±1.03mm reported by
[15]
in Sidama region, Ethiopia.
3.2.7. Albumen Ratio
The overall mean albumen ratio in this study was 50.25±5.6 % (Table 2). In normal cases the percentage of albumen ratio of egg was ranges from 51%-61 with average of 58%. Based on this standard, albumen ratio of indigenous chickens egg in present study was below set standard. The result of present study was similar to result of
[8]
who reported egg albumen ratio of 50.92±5.74 and 50.60±6.69% in midland and highland of Southern Ethiopia. Similarly,
[26]
who also reported albumen ratio of 50.06±4.838% in in Siltie Zone, Ethiopia. The result of this study was lower than finding of
[9]
who were reported gran mean albumen ratio of 54.71% for unimproved Horro chicken ecotype in Western Oromia.
3.2.8. Haugh Unit
The overall mean haugh unit this study was 78. The haugh unit value of chickens egg was ranges from 0-130. Furthermore, this value was categorized into four classes as AA, A, B and C with values of 72 and more, 71-60, 59-31 and 30 or less respectively. Based on this classification the haugh unit of indigenous chicken egg in present study was classified as AA. This was indicated a good haugh unit eggs. This result present study was slightly higher than findings of
[14]
who reported haugh unit of 71.61±9.85 for indigenous chicken in Sidama region, Ethiopia. On the other hand, overall mean haugh unit of 84.23±6.73, 71.86±9.79 and were 74.44±7.29 were reported by
[15]
from indigenous chicken in highland, midland and lowland respectively in different agro-ecologies of the Sidama Region, Ethiopia. Similarly,
[27]
who were reported haugh unit of 74.91±15.78 and 82.55±3.82 in Hawasa and Yirgalem towns respectively.
Table 2. The internal egg quality traits of indigenous chicken in the study area.

Parameters (Mean±SD)

Study zones

Overall

East Shewa

West Arsi

Yolk weight (g)

16.2±2.5

15.0±2.8

15.4±2.6

Yolk height (mm)

14.0 ±1.2

14.4± 1.2

14.2 ±1.2

Yolk ratio (%)

39.6±5.5

36.5±5.6

38.12±5.4

Yolk color

6.4±1.8

3.8±1.3

5.18±1.3

Albumen weight (g)

19.8±3.9

21.6±4.0

20.4± 3.4

Albumen height (mm)

5.23±1.24

5.18±1.26

5.24±2.8

Albumen ratio (%)

48.4±4.3

52.1±6.0

50.25±5.6

Haugh Unit (HU)

78.2

77.8

78
mm=millimeter, g=gram, %= percent
4. Conclusions
Egg quality parameters of indigenous chicken were influenced by several factors such; as production environment, time of data collection, type of scavenging feeds, management practices and chicken ecotype. The storage time might be also great influences on egg quality traits and; difficult to control particularly for indigenous chicken egg purchased from smallholder farmers; additionally, age and body weight of layer hen couldn’t be controlled as farmers had no reliable data record and lack information on date of egg lay. Therefore, to get basic information on indigenous chicken eggs as possible controlling freshness egg is very important. The present study was identified major external and internal quality parameters of indigenous chicken eggs in the study area and outlined baseline for future indigenous chicken improvement on sustainable basis under village production system. In general indigenous chickens egg in the study area had a normal shape that fit for hatching, however, they were small size based on standard set. Therefore, any genetic breeding program design can be considered parameters identified in the current study as baseline. Furthermore, weight egg should be improved through systematic selection and another parameters were also simultaneously improved.
5. Recommendation
Since egg quality parameters of indigenous chicken in the study area were showed great variation from previous study conducted in different parts of the country or others countries on indigenous chicken eggs, in fact to identify basic information; the causes contributed for such variation should be serious considered and controlled as possible.
Abbreviations

MASL

Meter Above Sea Level

MM

MILLIMETER

G

Gram

SD

Standard Deviation
Acknowledgments
We are grateful thank for the financial support from the Oromia Agricultural Research Institute.
Author Contributions
Usman Abdulkadir: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Resources, Validation, Writing – original draft
Beshir Hussien: Data curation, Resources, Validation
Tesfa Geleta: Conceptualization, Data curation, Resources, Validation
Nebi Husen: Data curation, Project administration, Resources, Validation
Funding
This work was funded by Oromia Agricultural Research Institute
Data Availability Statement
The data is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare there was no conflict of interest.
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    Abdulkadir, U., Hussien, B., Geleta, T., Husen, N. (2026). Morphometric and Morphology of Indigenous Chicken Eggs Quality Parameters in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Science Discovery Food, 1(3), 136-143. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15

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    Abdulkadir, U.; Hussien, B.; Geleta, T.; Husen, N. Morphometric and Morphology of Indigenous Chicken Eggs Quality Parameters in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Sci. Discov. Food 2026, 1(3), 136-143. doi: 10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15

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    Abdulkadir U, Hussien B, Geleta T, Husen N. Morphometric and Morphology of Indigenous Chicken Eggs Quality Parameters in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Sci Discov Food. 2026;1(3):136-143. doi: 10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15

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  • @article{10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15,
  author = {Usman Abdulkadir and Beshir Hussien and Tesfa Geleta and Nebi Husen},
  title = {Morphometric and Morphology of Indigenous Chicken Eggs Quality Parameters in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia},
  journal = {Science Discovery Food},
  volume = {1},
  number = {3},
  pages = {136-143},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sdf.20260103.15},
  abstract = {Indigenous chicken egg was becomes very concerned food in Ethiopia as consumers were highly attractive to eat them. Egg is rich with valuable proteins, vitamins and minerals. The external and internal quality parameters were the main determinant for consumption preference and hatching egg. The egg of indigenous chicken was more preferred among local consumers due to its flovour and tastes. However, there was limited information and, gap of standardized document on egg qualities indigenous chicken ecotypes in this area. Therefore, this study was conducted with objectives of evaluating egg quality parameters of indigenous chicken eggs and characterize external and internal egg quality traits to establish a base for indigenous chicken designing breeding program under smallholder farmers in selected districts of East Shewa and West Arsi zones, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 1200 fresh egg were used in this study. The results of study revealed that overall mean egg weight indigenous chicken in this study was 41.28±3.4.8g. The overall mean egg length and egg width in this study were 51.12±2.5mm and 37.82±1.6mm respectively. The egg shape index in current study was 74.15±3.6%. The egg shell weight of indigenous chickens in current study was 4.8±0.8g with shell ratio of 11.8 ± 2.6%. The overall mean yolk weight and albumen weight of indigenous chickens’ egg in this study area were 15.4±2.6g and 20.4± 3.4g respectively with albumen ratio and yolk ratio of 38.12±5.4% and 50.25±5.6% respectively. The overall estimated haugh unit of indigenous chicken egg in present study was 78. The indigenous chicken egg in the current study showed a normal shape. On the other hand, egg size of indigenous of this study was categorized under small size based on standard egg quality parameters set and thus, need further improvement for better productivity of indigenous chicken under prevailing production system.},
 year = {2026}
}

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  • TY  - JOUR
T1  - Morphometric and Morphology of Indigenous Chicken Eggs Quality Parameters in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
AU  - Usman Abdulkadir
AU  - Beshir Hussien
AU  - Tesfa Geleta
AU  - Nebi Husen
Y1  - 2026/09/11
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15
T2  - Science Discovery Food
JF  - Science Discovery Food
JO  - Science Discovery Food
SP  - 136
EP  - 143
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 3143-6781
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sdf.20260103.15
AB  - Indigenous chicken egg was becomes very concerned food in Ethiopia as consumers were highly attractive to eat them. Egg is rich with valuable proteins, vitamins and minerals. The external and internal quality parameters were the main determinant for consumption preference and hatching egg. The egg of indigenous chicken was more preferred among local consumers due to its flovour and tastes. However, there was limited information and, gap of standardized document on egg qualities indigenous chicken ecotypes in this area. Therefore, this study was conducted with objectives of evaluating egg quality parameters of indigenous chicken eggs and characterize external and internal egg quality traits to establish a base for indigenous chicken designing breeding program under smallholder farmers in selected districts of East Shewa and West Arsi zones, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 1200 fresh egg were used in this study. The results of study revealed that overall mean egg weight indigenous chicken in this study was 41.28±3.4.8g. The overall mean egg length and egg width in this study were 51.12±2.5mm and 37.82±1.6mm respectively. The egg shape index in current study was 74.15±3.6%. The egg shell weight of indigenous chickens in current study was 4.8±0.8g with shell ratio of 11.8 ± 2.6%. The overall mean yolk weight and albumen weight of indigenous chickens’ egg in this study area were 15.4±2.6g and 20.4± 3.4g respectively with albumen ratio and yolk ratio of 38.12±5.4% and 50.25±5.6% respectively. The overall estimated haugh unit of indigenous chicken egg in present study was 78. The indigenous chicken egg in the current study showed a normal shape. On the other hand, egg size of indigenous of this study was categorized under small size based on standard egg quality parameters set and thus, need further improvement for better productivity of indigenous chicken under prevailing production system.
VL  - 1
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

  • Usman Abdulkadir

    Livestock Research Directorate, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center), Batu, Ethiopia

    Contact Email

    http://orcid.org/0009-0002-2935-2862

  • Beshir Hussien

    Livestock Research Directorate, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center), Batu, Ethiopia

    http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1206-0057

  • Tesfa Geleta

    Livestock Research Directorate, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center), Batu, Ethiopia

  • Nebi Husen

    Livestock Research Directorate, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (Adami Tullu Agricultural Research Center), Batu, Ethiopia

    http://orcid.org/0009-0004-3522-0246

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