Which breed of chicken is best for egg production?

Each hen on a large poultry farm produces up to 70 offspring, yielding over 100 kg of high-quality meat per year. A single hen on a technologically advanced farm can produce up to 300 eggs during this period.

Even before the development of the Slavic peoples, the Baltic and Finno-Ugric peoples bred chickens in what is now Russia. Genetic studies have revealed that the old breeds preserved in Russia are primarily of Asian origin, although some breeds of Mediterranean origin also exist.

Many varieties of egg-laying and meat-producing chickens were created through selective breeding one or two centuries ago. About 50 breeds developed before the Revolution were lost. Although by the beginning of the 21st century, Russia was a leading exporter of poultry meat and eggs, the industry as a whole was considered one of the most backward.

Types of breeds by type of final product

Chickens are mainly raised for egg production and meat production, and are used in industry. feathers, down and other by-productsChickens are kept for laboratory research and experiments, and viral pathogens are grown on embryos to produce vaccines. Chicken breeds are divided into groups based on their final production and intended use:

• meat;
• egg;
• meat and egg;
• fighting;
• vociferous;
• decorative.

Meat chickens are used to obtain meat; the main characteristic of meat breeds is their early maturity. Chickens have large carcassesA small comb decorated with wattles, short legs, and a strong neck. Meat breeds in Russia include the ancient Cochin, the ancient American Brahma, the Chinese Langshan, and the English Cornish. Modern meat breeds are produced primarily by crossing Cornish and Plymouth Rocks.

Characteristic features of egg-laying breeds include early sexual maturity and a high capacity to lay eggs over a long period of time with little feed input. These qualities ensure high egg production, while the hens' body weight is relatively light. Breeds that lay brown eggs are more prized abroad. Distinguishing features of egg-laying breeds include large combs, a considerable length of beak, and short legs. the most common egg breeds include:

• American Leghorn;
• Russian White breed;
• Dutch Welsummer chickens;
• Czech golden;
• Minorca.

Common crosses of the egg-laying group were bred in laboratories: Zaslavskiy-1, Zarya-17, Borki-1, Start-N 23.

Fighting chickens are the most ancient, as cockfighting was common three millennia ago in Italy and is now held in many countries. However, some countries have abandoned fighting at the request of animal lovers and advocates. Russian poultry farming in this area began in the late 19th century, and breeds were subsequently used to select chickens for meat. These breeds are characterized by long neck and legs with spurs, a sharp beak, and a reduced comb. Well-known breeds of this group include:

• Malay;
• Moscow fighting;
• Central Asian kulanga.

Vocal breeds were developed in Greece, Japan, and Russia—countries where rooster crowing is common. Connoisseurs liked to select the most vocal specimens, and such individuals were highly prized. A characteristic feature of their appearance is their small, wide body. with a large head on a long neckSpecies with bright silver, black, and yellow-brown plumage produce a low, drawn-out, and powerful call. The Yurlov breed is common in Russia.

Ornamental breeds are distinguished from others by their fantastic appearance, which sometimes makes it difficult to recognize them as chickens. Breeding is done by hobbyists. The most beautiful breed in the world, the Pavlovsk, was developed in the Nizhny Novgorod province three centuries ago and was almost lost by the 22nd century. Pavlovsk chickens had a short beak, a beard, and feathered sideburns, with a lush mane on their neck. The breed has a bushy tail, and the chickens are golden, smoky, or black tips of feathers against a silvery background. Currently, the most popular breeds are the Russian Crested, Ukrainian Crested, Curly-Coated, Galan, Dutch White-Crested, and Houdan.

Meat and egg breeds of chickens

This branch of poultry farming first emerged in America in the late 19th century. In Russia, meat-producing breeds are currently kept primarily on backyard plots and small poultry farms. These chickens produce a good yield of tasty, dietary meat and eggs. Half of the breeds raised in our country are classified as this type. In appearance, these breeds fall somewhere between egg-producing and meat-producing breeds.

Adler silver breed

Obtained from representatives of the White Russian and New Hampshire, Pervomayskaya, Yurlovskaya, White Plymouth Rock in the Krasnodar Territory. The most common in RussiaThe country's chicken population exceeds one million. Adler chickens are distinguished by their beautiful appearance, with plumage of a yellowish Colombian hue densely covering their broad, sturdy bodies.

Feather color depends on the sex of the chickens, making it easier to select commercial crosses. These breeds have a leaf-shaped comb on their round heads, and their legs and beak are bright yellow.

These chickens are used by breeders to develop new varieties. Adler Silver hens weigh 2.4–3 kg live, while roosters weigh up to 4 kg. They produce 150–180 eggs, which is average productivity.

These chicken breeds lay eggs from the age of six monthsThey don't show much enthusiasm for brooding. The breed is quite undemanding and doesn't require meticulous care; by nature, they are calm and peaceful.

Black Australorp

Developed in Australia, the breed was actively imported into the Soviet Union for development into its own strain. It is used to produce the Black Spotted Australorp, which has a small population and is immune to pullorum disease. They resemble Silvers in appearance, but are darker in color. They are most common in Estonia. These are good-sized hens, weighing 2.5–3.1 kg, with roosters weighing up to 4 kg. They are noted for their high egg production—up to 220 eggs per year.

Zagorsk salmon

Developed in the Russian city of Zagorsk in 1955 by crossing four breeds: Rhode Island, Yurlov, New Hampshire, and Russian White. These medium-sized, round-headed chickens have an elongated body and a small tail.Leaf-shaped comb, yellow beak, and roosters with a silver back and mane. Related to this breed are the Kotlyarevskaya chickens, developed by breeders in Kabardino-Balkaria; they have looser plumage, multicolored coloring, and a long tail. Zagorskaya hens weigh 2.6–3 kg, and roosters up to 4.5 kg. These hens are noted for their good egg production, up to 250–280 eggs per year, and begin laying at six months.

Kuchinskaya Jubilee Breed

Developed in 1990 at a poultry farm by crossing Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire, Australorp, Roy Island, Russian White, and Liven chickens, the flock in Russia numbers 300,000 individuals. They are the largest representatives of the meat and egg chicken category. roosters weigh up to 4 kilograms or more, and hens – up to 3 kg. They are most often bred on non-specialized farms. The chickens are large, with an elongated body and feathers in red, gold, and brown. The breed is known for its low maintenance and excellent meat flavor.

Sexually mature hens lay their first eggs at 5-6 months, laying 180-220 eggs per year, with each egg weighing up to 60 g on average. Their meat contains more protein than broiler chickens. They are known for their eagerness to hatch their eggs.

Moscow White

It is a direct descendant of three breeds: Pervomayskaya, Plymouth Rock, and Russian White. The population in our country numbers about 300 thousand representativesThese chickens are medium to large in size at birth, with a pink comb and yellow beak. Their long bodies, covered in loose white plumage, have a prominent chest. The Leningrad White is a related breed.

The meat and egg type of the breed allows hens to grow up to 2.8 kg, and roosters up to 3.5 kg. The number of eggs laid per year is up to 190, with an average weight of approximately 55 g.

New Hampshire and Royal Island

These are related breeds developed by breeders at an American institute. There are approximately 200,000 Roy Island hens in Russia. Roy Island hens are medium-sized, with a long body and round chest. Their plumage is red, fading to black at the end of the tail. Medium-sized individuals lay up to 210 eggs per year, beginning to lay after the sixth month, though sometimes laying occurs a month later. Roosters weigh up to 3.8 kg, chickens – up to 3.2 kg.

The New Hampshire is quite popular in our country. The breed is raised in backyards and is a favorite among owners of large poultry farms, as the hens don't require meticulous or laborious care. A large hen can weigh up to 2.5 kg, and a rooster, 3.5 kg. A good egg production can reach up to 220 eggs, weighing up to 60 g.

Conditions for keeping chickens

The wild ancestors of our chickens were omnivores, and their civilized descendants have retained this trait to this day. In factory farms raising chickens for meat, they are fed compound feed and grain scraps, bone meal, mineral supplements, and antibiotics to accelerate growth. Small farms prepare good varied feed, for example, root vegetables, potatoes, greens, grains, bread products, and flour. Chickens are given a fine mixture of boiled meat and eggs.

Large farms use special above-ground cages or floor-based livestock housing for their housing. If conditions permit, after the first good grass appears, the hens are released to fatten up, where they feed on worms, small insects, and grass seeds. The floor of the coop is covered with a layer of crushed stone and then coated with bitumen to maintain dryness. Straw, peat, wood shavings, or tree leaves are placed on top of the final layer.

Ventilation

Although modern breeds are more adapted to cold conditions, it is not recommended to keep the temperature in the chicken coop below 0ºC, and the recommended good criteria are from 15 to 16ºC. The air humidity should be no more and no less than 65–70%In southern regions, it is difficult to maintain temperatures within these parameters, so effective ventilation and air conditioning systems are needed to increase productivity.

Lighting

If groups of hens are in egg production, they should be provided with long-term, stable lighting with gradually increasing parameters. If hens are productive egg-laying at 15 months of age and older, there is no need to increase the light period beyond 18 hours. Hens undergoing molting do well with reduced light periods.

Chicken diseases

Each chicken breed has resistance to some diseases, but the chicken's body is powerless against others. Common diseases include:

• Pullorum disease is an acute infectious disease related to paratyphoid fever. Chicks become ill immediately after hatching, becoming lethargic and having difficulty breathing. Adult chickens may only exhibit intestinal upset. Treatment is with antibiotics and sulfa drugs for prophylaxis.
• Colibacillosis affects chickens up to three months old and is a contagious disease with an incubation period of three to six days. Symptoms include blue beaks, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Chicks die quickly, and adult birds remain sick for up to three weeks. Sick birds are slaughtered and discarded, and the remaining birds are given antibiotics as a preventative measure.

There are many other names for bird diseases, such as smallpox, laryngotracheitis, lymphogranulomatosis, European plague or avian influenza, and Asian plague. But to prevent all of them, it is necessary to carry out scheduled and operational sanitary treatments, after each cycle, before new stock is introduced, bedding is replaced and other preventive measures are taken.

In conclusion, poultry farming has undergone significant changes compared to even recent years. Advanced technological developments have made egg and meat production more efficient. Breeders are striving to develop chicken breeds that are more resilient to disease and challenging growing conditions.