Selected quality traits of eggs and the productivity of newly created laying hen hybrids dedicated to an extensive rearing system

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of hybrids derived from Greenleg Partridge cocks and Rhode Island Red (GPR) hens for an extensive rearing system (RS), with special emphasis on high-quality table eggs. Newly created hybrids were compared to Hy-Line Brown (HLB) hens. The experiment was carried out with a total of 2400 hens. Both hybrid types (H's) were divided into two equal groups according to the rearing system: intensive (I) and extensive (E). The traits analysed in hens were body weight at the 8th, 16th, and 33rd weeks of age; laying production; and feed intake. At the 33rd week of a bird's age, egg quality was evaluated. The results of the study showed different reaction of the hybrids to the rearing system. This may confirm better usefulness of GPR for extensive farming and HLB hens for intensive methods of rearing. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the extensive system had a positive impact on the productivity of GPR birds.