16. Productivity of a newly Selected AN heavy Chicken Line

A study on the growth performance and egg productivity of a newly selected AN heavy chicken line was carried out. The AN line is a dual purpose one, bred for being able to provide both eggs and meat.
For the period of 64 weeks (from egg hatching on June 11th, 2008 to August 31st, 2009) the fowls were reared by applying the free-range system. Initially, the study began with 700 unsexed chicks, and continued with 305 layers and 32 cockerels. Throughout the experiment, all birds were fed on combined fodder prepared at the poultry farm according to their age. The fodder was supplemented with a herb mixture: yarrow (Achillea milleforum) oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus serpyllum), basil (Ocimum basilicum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) in equal proportion (0.03% for each herb) and 0.05% garlic powder from the first day of age to the end of the experiment.
The chickens had a good growth performance – 2486±35 g for males and 1819±18 g for females aged 12 weeks. The cockerels had highest live weight at the age of 32 weeks – 5017± 52 g, and layers – at the age of 44 weeks – 4478±59 g.
The hens began their egg production at the age of 19 weeks in the month of October. The egg production was highest between the 44th and 52nd week – above 70% (from the beginning of April to the beginning of June). When the average daily temperatures increased over 25°Ñ, the egg production decreased considerably.