Which Breed of Laying Hens is More Low-Maintenance and Profitable?
There are many breeds of laying hens, each with distinct production performance and characteristics. Selecting the right breed doesn
There are many breeds of laying hens, each with distinct production performance and characteristics. Selecting the right breed doesn't need to be overwhelming—a simple approach is to reference successful local farms. Visiting large-scale farms or consulting experienced farmers nearby can provide practical insights. So, which breed is easier to manage and more profitable? Let’s analyze the pros and cons of popular breeds.
Classification by Eggshell Color
1. Brown-Shell Layers
Advantages: Hardy, cold-resistant, large egg size, low pecking tendency, and low mortality.
Disadvantages: Larger body size, higher feed intake, increased risk of fatty liver disease in later stages, and eggshell quality issues (e.g., speckled eggs).
2. Pink-Shell Layers
Advantages: Smaller size, lower feed consumption, strong adaptability, attractive eggshell appearance, and high nutritional value.
Disadvantages: Sensitive temperament, weaker stress resistance, prone to pecking (especially in open/semi-open coops), making them better suited for intensive closed-house systems.
3. Green-Shell Layers
Advantages: Premium pricing (sold by the piece), stronger eggshells (30% more durable than regular eggs), and higher selenium content.
Examples: Dongxiang Green-Shell and Wuji chickens.
Brown-Shell Layers
Breeds by Source
Common breeds include Hy-Line, Lohmann, Yukou Jing, Dawu Golden Phoenix, and Nongda series 215. While brown-shell breeds were historically dominant, pink-shell varieties are gaining popularity due to improved breeding techniques and regional market preferences for smaller, premium-priced eggs.
Pink-Shell Layers
Key Recommendations for Breed Selection
- Prioritize brown-shell layers for poorly equipped coops due to their hardiness.
- Align with local market demand—e.g., green-shell eggs command higher prices in certain regions.
- Focus on management skills. Even the same breed can show significant differences in egg production (e.g., 5%+ variance) and mortality rates due to varying management practices. Continuous learning and professional training are critical to maximizing profitability.
For detailed performance data on popular breeds, contact our company for reference materials.
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