Food Efficiency in Pure Strains and Hybrids of Laying Hens Analysed in a Diallel Cross: II. Comparisons of Food Consumption Corrected for Body Weight, Weight Gain and Egg Mass

Abstract

Recorded differences in food consumption between 16 strain combinations of laying hens in a full diallel design of 4*4 pure strains are discussed. Significant differences between pure strains and significant heterosis in food consumption corrected for metabolic body weight, weight gain and egg mass are reported. Significant and consistent differences between strain combinations were found in the partial regression coefficient of food consumption on egg mass production, but not on metabolic body weight and weight gain. None of the strain crosses showed significant heterosis in any of the three partial regression coefficients. On average, 35% of the heterosis in food consumption was due to increased egg production and 65% to increased body weight and strain combination residual.

Key Words:

• adjusted food consumption
• food efficiency
• hybrids
• laying hens
• strains