Productive traits in hybrid hens with Fayoumi maternal genotype

The productive performance during the first laying cycle of two experimental F1 populations of laying hens with Fayoumi maternal genotype and either Rhode Island Red or White Leghorn paternal genotype was evaluated. The Egyptian Fayoumi breed characterized by a low body weight was used to explore its usefulness as a parent stock to diminish maintenance costs of the progeny by reducing its mean body weight. Productive traits at sexual maturity, body weight and egg weight dynamics, form and shape of the egg, feed efficiency for egg production and major egg components were studied. No clear advantage of either of the two hybrids with Fayoumi genotype was evinced. The expectations of enhancing feed efficiency were not accomplished. Although F1 hens were lighter than both paternal lines, their voluntary feed consumption equaled that of the heaviest birds. This fact could be explained in terms of a behavioural response to environmental temperature as these birds, with a natural resistance to hot climates, showed a higher daily intake relative to their body weight when reared during the winter season in a temperate zone.