Upgrading the indigenous poultry of Uganda IV. Egg production

Extract

Data on egg production, egg weight, food consumption, broodiness, mortality and body weights of the progeny of indigenous poultry of Uganda crossed with Light Sussex, White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red and Black Australorp breeds were collected collected over the 25-week period from 161 to 336 days of age and compared with the performances of indigenous poultry.

In comparison with the indigenous birds, the cross-breeds had a 61% higher mean egg production rate, a 34% lower food consumption per pound of eggs produced, a 15% higher egg weight, a 30% reduction in mortality, a 23% increase in body weight and a decrease in broodiness.

All the cross-breeds were superior in productive respects to the indigenous birds and the White Leghorn and Light Sussex breeds appeared to be the best for use in the upgrading of indigenous stock for highest egg production results.