Analysis of morphological egg characteristics and hatching results of selected breeds of ornamental chickens

Poultry production is currently one of the fastest growing branches of animal production. Large-scale production contrasts with the equally fast-growing global breeding of ornamental poultry. The aim of the study was to analyse the egg characteristics and hatching results of selected breeds of ornamental chickens in amateur breeding facilities. Six flocks of ornamental chickens were evaluated: Polish bantam, Polish chicken, Padovana chicken, Pekin bantam (Cochin), Onagadori and Japanese bantam. The analysis included selected external and internal characteristics of eggs laid by hens during the study period. Further, hatching results were analysed: percent fertilised eggs and healthy chicks hatched from set eggs and from fertilised eggs. The material collected was grouped according to the breed of chicken. Differences where shown in egg weight, size and shape and in eggshell thickness depending on the genotype of the hen. Differences were also noted in the hatching results of hens of different breeds. The hens of the Padovana and Onagadori breeds had very good hatching results. In these breeds, the percentage of fertilised eggs exceeded 90%. The lowest fertilisation rate was noted in the Japanese bantam hens (72.3%), but the percentage of chicks hatched from fertilised eggs was nearly 90%.