Egg and eggshell quality during experimental IBV infection in unvaccinated laying hens

Abstract

The effect of two strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV-T and N1/88 strains) on internal and external quality of eggs was studied in unvaccinated Isa Brown hens in full lay. Overall, there was no decline in egg production in either of the infected groups. Long-lasting effects were observed on egg internal quality of T strain-infected hens. Effects on internal quality in the N1/88 strain-infected group were more short term. The only significant effect of IBV infection on shell quality measurements was paler egg shells from the T-infected birds for the first 5 weeks post-infection.