Hrvatica hen - Croatian native breed of poultry

SUMMARY

Intensification of poultry production has led to the cessation of use of many local breeds resulting in their replacement with high-yielding breeds or hybrids. A description of native populations and their distinctive properties is the basis for their conservation. This paper presents the current knowledge about the origin, external characteristics and production indicators of the Croatian native breed of poultry – the Hrvatica. The breeding of the Hrvatica began in the first half of the 20th century, in an area alongside the river Drava, by crossing domestic hens with Leghorn roosters and later with the Wellsummer breed. After the breed almost vanished, a breeding programme was established to focus on four variants with different plumage colours. Today, the total population of breeding animals is estimated at 5000 to 6000. The Hrvatica is a dual-purpose breed and successfully tolerates free-range farming throughout the year. It is modest in its nutritional needs and, with enough pasture, provides quality and tasty meat. The body weight of adult roosters ranges from 2.2 kg to 2.6 kg and adult hens weigh from 1.6 kg to 1.8 kg. The breed is characterised by good egg-laying, with pronounced maternal instincts. Egg-laying, depending on the housing and feeding conditions, ranges from 200 to 220 eggs per year. Eggs have a distinct, elongated shape with an average shape index of 74% and an average weight of 51 g. The eggshell is light-coloured.

KEYWORDS:

• Hrvatica
• native breed of poultry
• production traits

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

G. Duvnjak

G. Duvnjak MSc was employed by the Croatian Agricultural Agency at the time of writing this paper at the Department of Small animals breeding. As part of her employment, in 2015, she started her PhD to assess the composition and sensory quality of Hrvatica meat and eggs in comparison to commercial hybrid when reared in a free-range system. Currently is employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Poultry and Beekeeping.

Z. Janječić

Z. Janječić PhD is currently employed at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb in the position of full professor. His scientific interests are poultry breeding, protection of indigenous poultry breeds, rabbit breeding and welfare of animals used in scientific research.  He has participated or been a leader in numerous studies related to the possibility of using various poultry feed additives and investigated their impact on production and poultry health. Since 2000 he has been a member of the World's Poultry Science Association – WPSA.

M. Dražić

M. Maja Dražić PhD was employed by the Croatian Agricultural Agency at the time of writing this paper at the Department of genetic evaluation of domestic animals and animal gene bank. In her research, she focuses on genetics and the conservation of animal genetic resources. Currently is employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Cattle Production and Market.

D. Bedeković

D. Bedeković PhD is currently employed at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb in the position of assistant professor. His scientific interests are feeding poultry and rabbits, alternative breeding systems, sensory quality of meat and eggs and the indigenous breeds. He has participated or been a leader in numerous studies related to the possibility of using various poultry feed additives and investigated their impact on production and poultry health. Since 2011 he has been a member of the World's Poultry Science Association – WPSA.