EGG PRODUCTION, EGG WEIGHT, AND HATCHABILITY RATE OF RED JUNGLE FOWL x SELECTED PHILIPPINE NATIVE HENS
Vanessa Gem Niez (1) Dino D Edubos (2) Precious Gay Inanod (3) Julie Ann C Alampayan (4) Richelle Niepes (5) Mark Anthony Mana (6)

Mindanao State University at Naawan

Abstract

This study evaluated the reproductive and growth performance of Red Jungle Fowl Gallus gallus crossed with Philippine native chicken breeds under confinement management and natural incubation conditions. The treatments consisted of Darag x Red Jungle Fowl T1, Oh&#8209-Shamo x Red Jungle Fowl T2, and Basilan x Red Jungle Fowl T3, with four replicates per treatment observed over four months. Parameters evaluated included egg production, hatchability rate, egg weight, initial chick weight, final chick weight, and weight gain. Data were analyzed using Welch ANOVA, Kruskal&#8209-Wallis test, and One&#8209-Way ANOVA following tests of normality and homogeneity of variance. Results revealed significant differences in egg production, hatchability rate, and egg weight among treatments. Darag x Red Jungle Fowl recorded the highest egg production 12.75 plus minus 2.22 eggs and clutch performance, while Basilan x Red Jungle Fowl achieved the highest hatchability rate 66.41 plus minus 8.65 percent and demonstrated more consistent reproductive efficiency. Oh&#8209-Shamo x Red Jungle Fowl produced the heaviest eggs 49.87 plus minus 4.23 g. No significant differences were observed in initial chick weight, final chick weight, and weight gain among the successful hatchability treatments. The study also documented phenotypic variation among the crossbreeds, indicating genetic diversity among the crossbreeds. The findings suggest that Darag x Red Jungle Fowl has greater potential for improving egg production, whereas Basilan x Red Jungle Fowl appears more promising for hatchability and reproductive efficiency under confinement management conditions.

Keywords: Basilan, Breeding, Darag, Oh Shamo, Upgrading

Topic: Animal Farming Management and Production