Comparing feed efficiency and egg production in Hy-Line W-80 and Iraqi indigenous chickens

The Iraqi indigenous chicken (IIC) is a native breed known for its remarkable ability to thrive in harsh environments. However, the primary challenge with this breed is its lower productivity levels especially when compared to commercial strains. This study evaluated the performance of 120 layers of IIC in comparison with an equal number of Hy-Line W-80 layers across multiple traits including feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion ratio (FCR), daily feed intake (DFI), egg mass (EM) and total egg number (EN) production. Over a period spanning four consecutive weeks intervals significant differences were observed between the two lines across all measured parameters. Hy-Line W-80 consistently exhibited superior FE, with values ranging from 0.49 to 0.54 compared to IIC values that ranged from 0.23 to 0.26. Similarly, Hy-Line W-80 demonstrated lower FCR values ranging from 1.85 to 2.03 contrasting with IIC (3.77 to 4.37). The DFI was notably higher in Hy-Line W-80 (ranging from 104.30 to 106.00 g per day) compared to IIC (73.75 to 90.20 g per day). Furthermore, Hy-Line W-80 consistently outperformed IIC in EM production with values ranging from 52.33 to 56.67 compared to IIC values (19.83 to 21.47). Another superiority of Hy-Line W-80 was observed by showing higher EN over IIC layers in all sixteen weeks of investigation. In conclusion, Hy-Line W-80 consistently outperformed IIC in various parameters such as FE, FCR, DFI, EM and EN production. Accordingly, these data could be exploited in selective breeding and genetic improvement strategies to enhance the productivity of IIC.