Small Scale Egg Production: The Challenge of Portuguese Autochthonous Chicken Breeds

Biodiversity concerns and the sustainability of agroecological systems, together with consumer demand for higher quality products from alternative extensive farming methods, have reinforced interest in local breeds that are well adapted to low-input environments. The first reference Portuguese poultry appeared 1930s, registration breeding programs native only being implemented last ten years. chicken (Pedrês Portuguesa, Preta Lusitânica, Amarela, Branca) almost extinct currently bred on small-scale farms egg meat production. This study aimed characterize performance laying hens, evaluating influence genotype, age, season production over four years farm conditions. results highlight Pedrês Portuguesa as most productive breed regarding reveal a tendency an increase by Branca contrast lower capacity Lusitânica. Older hens start earlier consecutive periods, present shorter peak, inferior number total eggs/cycle. There is need establish goals evaluate revise productivity autochthonous breeds.