Egg production performances of a breed and three crossbreeds under semi-scavenging system of management

Abstract

Data were collected from 54 selected farms of key rearers in Badalgachi thana in the Naogaon district in Bangladesh to investigate egg production performance of a breed and three crossbreeds. The Rhode Island Red (RIR) x Fayoumi attained late sexual maturity (222 d). However, during a period up to 46 weeks of age they produced the highest number of eggs (41.6 eggs per hen day and 31.2 eggs per hen housed) with the highest rate of lay of the largest size (44.4 g) and the thickest shell (0.333 mm) with the highest albumen height, yolk height and yolk colour fan score (8.2 mm, 18.9 mm, 9.8), respectively. The others were the pure-bred Fayoumi and the two crosses Naked Neck × Fayoumi and Naked Neck × RIR. Feed supplement of ranged from 15 to 45 g per hen/day. Birds receiving the highest level had the highest rate of lay (39.6%) with the largest egg size (42.2 g). Supplementary feed levels did not influence age at sexual maturity, body weight, or any egg quality traits. Locations did not have an effect on age at sexual maturity and egg production. Breeds, supplementary levels of feed, and locations did not affect mortality. However, mortality due to predators was significantly higher in RIR x Fayoumi