Comparison of dwarf and normal broiler breeder hens

Two strains of dwarf and two of normal broiler breeder hens were compared during the laying period for the following production parameters: egg number, hen-day and hen-housed egg production, mortality, feed consumption, egg weight, egg shell quality, hatchability, and fertility. Though the dwarf hens matured earlier, the number of eggs produced during the laying period did not differ (P less than .05) from that of the normal hens. The dwarf hens consumed 25.6% less feed per dozen eggs but produced smaller eggs. Mortality was higher for the dwarf hens during the laying period than for normal hens. The normal hens had an advantage over the dwarf hens in percent hatchability of all eggs set and percent fertility, but the percent hatchability of fertile eggs did not differ between the two genetic groups. No differences were found in egg shell quality of the two groups of chickens.