Productivity of Australorp Chickens in Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Australorp chickens as a pure breed and in crossbreeding systems are important in the development of appropriate egg production systems in Papua New Guinea. However, problems exist with the economic disposal of surplus male birds and there is little comparative data on egg production with birds on commercial diets. The work described in this paper was firstly an attempt to assess the utility of raising surplus male chicks on commercial broiler feeds and secondly to gather limited data on egg production by Australorps in comparison with commercial hybrid layer birds. The results show clearly that it would be uneconomic to try to rear Australorp males on broiler feeds but that egg production by Australorps can be economic in spite of a longer time to point of first lay and a later attainment of peak production compared to commercial hybrids. Also presented is a summary of work done in Papua New Guinea to assess the utility of crossbreeding Australorps with commercial hybrid layers to produce a more accessible and cheaper alternative to the commercial hybrids for smallholder farmers. Suggestions are made as to options for the future use of the Australorp breed in Papua New Guinea.