Laying performance and egg quality traits of Hansli x CSML birds under different rearing systems

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of rearing systems (intensive and semi-intensive) on the laying performance and egg quality traits of Hansli x CSML birds. 186 day old chicks were divided randomly and reared separately under the two systems. At the end of growing period, the remaining female birds in each system were observed and recorded for egg production from date of first lay up to 40 weeks of age and egg quality traits were recorded at 40th week. The data revealed that birds under semi-intensive system had significantly lower age at sexual maturity as compared to their intensive counterparts while the reverse was true for egg production. It was also observed that the rearing systems had significant effect on different egg quality traits like egg weight, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit. The egg quality traits of crosses under study are desirable for handling pressure of traditional rural farming practices.