Shell gland RNA-seq reveals key genes regulating eggshell quality and potential links between eggshell quality and hatchability across different laying stages.

ABSTRACT: The quality of hatching eggs and their hatchability are key factors affecting the production efficiency of breeding flocks. The quality of hatching eggs is commonly graded directly based on the eggshell quality. Our study monitored the eggshell quality and hatchability in Hy-Line Brown laying hens aged 23 to 73 weeks, to determine core eigenvectors that influence hatchability from multiple eggshell quality indicators. Hatching performance indicators, including fertile egg rate, hatchability of fertile eggs and hatchability of eggs set, were found to exhibit a trend of low level in early laying stage, and increased to a peak at 39 weeks of age during mid-laying stage, followed by a continuous decline in late laying stage. Similar trend also observed in eggshell quality indicators, such as e

SUBMITTER: Zhang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12870766 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature