Comparative Performance of Three Hen Genotypes for Dual-Purpose Egg and Meat Production in Free-Range Systems

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Genetics
• Food Science

Background:

• Breed selection is crucial for small-scale poultry producers, impacting bird adaptability, productivity, and product quality.
• Evaluating diverse genetic origins is essential for optimizing poultry farming systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare laying performance, egg quality, carcass, and meat characteristics of Canarian, Lohmann Dual, and Novogen BT hens.
• To assess consumer sensory perceptions of eggs and meat from these three breeds under free-range conditions.

Main Methods:

• Monitored egg production from 20 to 74 weeks in 60 free-range hens fed a commercial diet.
• Analyzed growth trajectories using the Gompertz equation and conducted carcass/meat analyses post-slaughter.
• Utilized consumer panels for sensory evaluations of eggs and meat.

Main Results:

• Canarian hens exhibited later growth inflection and higher asymptotic weight but lower feed conversion ratio due to brooding behavior.
• Canarian eggs had tinted shells and higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values.
• Canarian meat and skin showed higher yellowness (b*); sensory evaluation favored Canarian hens for meat aroma, juiciness, and greasiness.

Conclusions:

• Local breeds like Canarian hens possess distinct quality attributes suitable for dual-purpose production.
• Valorization of local breeds in free-range systems is feasible, offering unique product characteristics.
• Findings support the integration of heritage breeds into sustainable poultry farming models.