Comparative study on productive performance, egg quality, egg geometry and hatching traits of three age groups of indigenous Peshawari Aseel chickens

Abstract

The aim of study was to compare three production cycles of different age groups of indigenous Peshawari Aseel chicken at Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resource Center (ICGRC), UVAS Ravi Campus Pattoki for the duration of 4 weeks. For this Purpose 24 birds of 3 different production cycles (1, 2 and 3 at the age of 35, 65 and 95) were used. Eight birds in each category comprising 7 females and 1 male were placed in each replicate.  The data was collected regarding production performance, egg quality and egg geometry and analyzed through Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques. Means were compared using Fisher’s LSD (Least significant Difference) Test by the help of SAS (Statistical Analysis System). Non-significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in cumulative feed intake at the start of experiment week 1, week 3 and week 4. The birds in 2^nd production cycle remained the highest feed consumer throughout the experimental period followed by 1^st and 3^rd production cycles along with same trend in calories, protein, Ca, P, Lysine and Methionine intake throughout the experimental period. The birds in 2^nd production cycle remained significantly higher egg producer along with production of higher egg mass and better FCR. Non-significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the egg shell % of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd production cycles. The birds of 3^rd production cycle remained the highest in the Haugh unit score and yolk index throughout the experimental period followed by 1^st and 2^nd production cycle. Non-significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in shape index, egg surface area and egg volume in all the three production cycles. The birds of 3^rd production cycle remained significantly higher in shape index throughout the experimental period followed by the 1^st and 2^nd production cycle.