A Study on the Performance of Fayoumi, Rhode Island Red and Fayoumi × Rhode Island Red Chickens under Rural Condition of Bangladesh

Abstract

Two months old Fayoumi, Rhode Island Red, and Fayoumi × Rhode Island Red chickens were reared upto 512 days of their age in the villages surrounding Bangladesh Agricultural University in order to study comparative performances of the 3 genetic groups with or without extra feeding to scavenging system of rearing and also, to study the suitability of these breeds reared under the rural condition. Fayoumi attained earlier sexual maturity (238.5 vs 262.5 d) and laid more eggs than other breeds/types. Rhode Island Red produced the largest eggs, but mortality rates were highest and Fayoumi showed greatest resistance to diseases. Crossbred was heaviest (1,275 g at 247.5 d of age) and had highest hatchability than parental breeds. Age at sexual maturity (247.5 d), 50% egg production, peak production and mortality in crossbreds were mostly influenced by sire Fayoumi but for the egg weight and body weight, the effect of the dam Rhode Island Red was significant. Extra feeding was found more beneficial to the chickens irrespective of breeds and types. The crossbred Fo × RIR chickens were found more suitable under rural scavenging system than the exotic breeds, Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red in the rural areas of Bangladesh.