Egg production performance and external egg quality of Desi chickens in Bidar district of Karnataka

Abstract

Present study aimed to evaluate the production performance and external egg quality traits of Desi chickens in Bidar district of Karnataka. A total of 100 grower-stage birds were sourced from nearby villages within the district. These desi chickens were reared under intensive system in cage with all standard managemental practices followed. In the present study the recorded age at sexual maturity of desi chicken in Bidar district in cage rearing system was 156.57±2.09 days and total egg production up to 52 week was represented as HHEP (Hen house egg production) of desi chicken was 59.31±11.49 eggs. The external egg quality traits of desi chicken for egg weight (g), shape index (%), shell weight (g), shell thickness (mm) and shell ratio (%) of desi chicken at 22nd week was 32.50±0.28, 76.49±0.71, 4.70±0.10, 0.417±0.013 and 14.45±0.25, at 34th week was 38.87±0.36, 74.17±0.46, 5.40±0.09, 0.396±0.007 and 13.90±0.20, at 42nd week was 41.23±0.24, 73.72±0.46, 5.63±0.11 0.369±0.004 and 13.66±0.27 and at 52nd week was 44.73±0.35 g, 72.93±0.55 (%), 5.97±0.08 g, 0.365±0.008 mm and 13.35±0.17 %, respectively.