Abstract
A study was undertaken on 53 farms during the year 2002 to investigate flock size, egg production traits and various factors affecting
egg production performance of broiler breeder chickens in Mansehra and Abbotabad, Pakistan. Farm location and system of rearing
didn't effect egg production traits. Average number of day-old chicks started'at the farm (20989.60±1808.75) represented
18165.14±1562.22 and 2824.36±255.47 number of female and male broiler-breeding chickens, respectively. Mean number of henhoused, male to female ratio in a laying house, sex error in both male and female chickens and proportion of eggs suitable for hatching
was 16976.67±1460.43 birds, 1: 7.69±0.32:1 and 4.27±0.16%, 97.47±0.12%, respectively. Average age at point and peak-of-lay, peak
percent lay, percent lay, hen-housed egg production and egg laying period was 159.02±0.85 days, 224.75±0.71 days, 82.25±0.32%,
56.86±0.36%, 168.27±1.10 eggs and 295.98+0.85 days, respectively. In-season flocks had smaller age at point and peak-of-lay but
longer egg laying period and higher percent lay and hen-housed egg production as compared to out-season flocks. Arboracre chicken
was found to have better hen-housed egg production, higher percent lay and longer egg laying period than Shaver chickens. Rearing of
Arboracre strain of chicken and Pullet's development during in-season shall be encouraged for obtaining better productivity.
