Efficiency of using the new domestic meat-egg hybrid for the production of food eggs in household farms

Abstract

Aim. A detailed analysis of the egg production and economic effi ciency of using a new dual-purpose hybrid in a comparative aspect with the original forms. Methods. Standard zootechnical methods of estimating body weight, egg production and its intensity, egg weight, feed costs and livability of adult hybrid and purebred hens were used. The effects of heterosis on the main utility indicators and the European profi t ratio IOFC (Income Over Feed Cost), which displays the difference between the revenue from one layer and the cost of consumed food, was estimated. Results. Almost all studied indicators demonstrated the advantage of the hybrid over the original forms. The phenomenon of heterosis was observed in most studied indices – 5.7 % by precocity, 3– 7 % by mass of eggs, 12–14 % by egg production. Early puberty (on 2–16 days), more intensive build-up of egg production (by 3.3–4.2 %), improvement of its medium intensity by 4.6–9.8 % provided by hybrid laying hens per year of life which were 9–20 eggs superior than the origin forms. Due to the high productivity and low feed consumption per 10 eggs (2.1 kg versus 2.8 kg for the paternal form), the profi t ratio IOFC was also 28.7– 29.1 % higher for a hybrid. This indicates the expediency of using layers of a new hybrid combination for the production of food eggs in farming and household farms. Conclusions. The obtained zootechnical and eco- nomic indicators demonstrate the expediency of using layers of a new hybrid combination for the production of food eggs in farming and household farms.