roosters role in egg size?

[Just Fluff]

Hello,

I am curious if there has been any research on the influence the rooster has on egg size. I know in cattle, the bull has a lot of influence on the udder placement and quality. Does anyone know if a rooster from a hen that lays large eggs will pass on those genes?

The reason I'm asking is that I have a bit of a motley crew of chickens. I have a few purebred(?) hens, Buff Orpingtons, a few colored Leghorns, a hen I can't remember what she is off the top of my head, and a lot of who knows. (Hubby picked them up at the local feed store and they fed him a nice line!) The roosters are all mutts. I have a few hens that are laying very large brown eggs. I'm thinking they are from my two Buff Orpingtons. I have a hen that has decided to go broody, so I've put a few of the larger eggs under her. My luck they will turn out to be roosters, so that is why I am asking. I need to replace the current roosters, so if these turn out to be roosters, will the genetic material be there for large eggs if bred on to my other hens?

Thank you!

 

[Illia]

The rooster plays half the influence in almost ALL traits, so yes. For example a Leghorn rooster x (some smaller egg layer) will offer larger eggs, the same as an Easter Egger x Marans will offer the green and brown combined, making for a chance of dark olive eggs.