Comparative Productive Performance of Local Hens in Erbil- Kurdistan Region

Volume 16 , Issue 1 , October 2014 , Pages 203-206

Authors

¹ Department of Animal Resource, College of Agriculture, Salahaddin University

² Department of Animal Production, Director of Agricultural Research and Extension - Erbil

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of age at production and different

genetic phenotypes of local hens in Erbil. Birds of each genotype were kept in family pens

depended on their colours (Line 1 = Black with Brown Neck, Line 2 = Isa Brown, Line 3 =

Spotty, Line 4= Pure Black) were randomly distributed on two replicates compared with a

commercial strain (Isa brown). Performance characteristics were evaluated. Results showed

that age at production and genetic phenotype were affected significantly (P<0.05) on some

performance traits. Significant differences between groups were found in Egg Production,

Egg Mass, Feed Intake and Feed Conversion Ratio traits. Insignificant differences were

found between groups in Egg Weight. Age of production affected insignificantly on Feed

Intake, while affected significantly (P<0.05) on other traits. It is concluded that selection

might be possible in local hens to improve their genetic potentials in Iraq-Kurdistan region.

Statistics