Development of dual-purpose cross for meat and egg production I. Growth performance and carcass composition of the crossbred chickens in comparison to the parent lines

Abstract The aim of the study was to develop a dual-purpose cross suitable for rearing in alternative systems and examine its growth performance carcass composition comparison parent lines. experiment carried out experimental poultry farm Institute Animal Science - Kostinbrod. developed using females layer type line L cocks from BB. latter based on Bresse Gauloise that is also dual purpose but mainly used meat. chickens lines were reared mixed-sex groups deep litter, at stocking density 25 birds/m 2 , fed with standard broiler feed until age 9 weeks. Then males separated sent slaughter while left layers. Crossing hens BB resulted live weight efficiency better line, lower when compared line. These parameters however, than typically observed this poultry. Nevertheless, displayed good deposited low content abdominal fat, thus revealing potential be successfully realized market.