Study of Oviposition Pattern and Clutch Traits in a White Leghorn (WL) Layer Population

Various layer traits were recorded on 1082 pullets at 29 generation of selection to evaluate the variability for egg production. Oviposition time of each egg was recorded at hourly and half an hour intervals under 16L: 8D cycle, up to 40 weeks of age and for 15 days period respectively, to study the distribution pattern of oviposition time. Early (06-11h) and late (11-17 h) pattern of oviposition, with 90 % of ovipositions occurring before 13 h of the day was observed. Mean oviposition time (MOT) and mean oviposition interval (MOI) of the flock were 10.99 h and 24.34 h at hourly intervals, whereas, 10.70 h and 24.43 h at half an hour intervals of recording, respectively. Mean values of clutch length, clutch number, maximum clutch length, total pause days and interval between clutches were found to be 11.10 days, 12.69, 38.15 days, 23.67 days and 2.20 days respectively. Recorded data revealed variable degree of skewness and kurtosis for different traits. Clutch traits revealed more variation than MOT and MOI. The distribution of MOT and MOI showed narrow range and low percentage coefficient of variation than other traits.