PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



Shape of Eggs 



The shape of an egg is determined by the character of the 

 oviduct. The contraction of the oviduct forces the egg on- 

 ward in its course. This contraction is behind the egg, there- 

 fore the small end of the egg is at this point, the large end 

 being toward the outside. If the oviduct is small the tendency 

 will be to make a long egg, if it is large the tendency is toward 

 a round egg. Round eggs are larger in diameter than long 

 eggs, as a rule. Eggs that are abnormal in shape are caused 

 by some abnormal condition in the oviduct. 



Round and elongated eggs should never be used for incuba- 

 tion because it is difficult, if not impossible, for chicks to ex- 

 tricate themselves from the shells. Pullets produced from 

 such eggs will lay eggs of similar shape. Such eggs are diffi- 

 cult to pack, the round ones being too large in diameter and 

 the long ones too long for the ordinary container. By careful 

 selection from year to year a uniform type of egg can be 

 established for the flock. Uniformity in product means pleased 

 customers and better prices. 



Composition of an Egg 



An egg is 66 per cent water and 34 per cent solid or semi- 

 solid matter. The soHd matter comprises, combinations of the 

 following elements : Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sul- 

 phur, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, 

 iron, silicon and chlorine. These elements are combined in 

 substances known as protein, ash and fat. The following table 

 shows the percentages of these substances in the whole egg, 

 the white, and the yolk. 



Table No. Ill — Composition of egg. 



Water Protein Ash Fat 



Percent Percent Percent Percent 



Whole egg 65.9 12.83 10.68 10.59 



White 87.0 12.00 0.20 0.80 



Yollc 50.0 16.00 1.00 33.00 



Reference to the above table shows the materials which 

 enter into an egg. What better proof do we need of the im- 

 portance of providing in the ration all the elements required 

 to manufacture this finished product? If any one of these is 

 lacking the development of the egg is prevented, or at least 

 delayed until the missing material is supplied. As well un- 

 dertake to build a house without lumber and nails or an engine 



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