Differences in the Shape Index, Specific Gravity, and Eggshell Thickness between Debu dan Kelabu Lines of Sentul Chickens

Abstract

Sentul chicken is an indigenous Indonesian chicken breed that consists of several strains distinguished by differences in feather color phenotype. This study aimed to determine the differences in shape index, specific gravity, and eggshell thickness between the Debu and Kelabu strains of Sentul chickens. The research was conducted at the Balai Pengembangan Perbibitan Ternak Unggas (BPPTU) Jatiwangi, Majalengka Regency, West Java. The samples consisted of 70 hatching eggs from each strain, obtained from hens at 40 weeks of age that were maintained under uniform management conditions. This study employed a quantitative comparative method, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent two-sample t-test. The results showed that the mean shape index of the Debu and Kelabu strains was 78.05 + 2.87% and 77.43 + 3.66%, respectively. The mean specific gravity of the Debu and Kelabu strains was 1.088 + 0.0053 g/cm³ and 1.088 + 0.0058 g/cm³, respectively. The mean eggshell thickness of the Debu and Kelabu strains was 0.32 + 0.024 mm and 0.32 + 0.023 mm, respectively. The t-test results indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in shape index, specific gravity, or eggshell thickness between the Debu and Kelabu strains of Sentul chickens. Based on the findings, both strains exhibited relatively similar external egg quality characteristics according to the observed parameters.