Schijndelaar, Araucanas and "Easter Egger" productivity.

[nicalandia]

I would like to share this research I found about Easter Egger productivity, I really not so fond of non-productive ornamental breeds, but I really like the looks of the Schijndelaar roosters

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ae4f/d9522c44c1bf01195d72f7d799a3e5107a17.pdf
Excerpt from the article:

"The highest hen-day egg production was observed in group L with 283.1 eggs laid until 35 weeks of age and predicted annual egg production of 311.2 eggs that is corresponding to modern accomplishments of high-producing lines of this breed (21). The lowest egg production was registered in decorative breeds Schijndelaar (S) – 95.1 eggs (predicted annual production 132.5 eggs) and Araucana (А) with 148.4 eggs (predicted annual production of 179.4 eggs). In a previous study of ours (Lukanov, unpublished data) estimated hen-day egg production in the Schijndelaar breed was 140.5 eggs, comparable to the present predicted yield. In the available literature, the average annual egg production for Araucana chickens is reported to be about 180 eggs (20), which is in line with the present results. The two experimental groups exhibited a strong heterosis effect induced by the maternal line with regard to this trait. Their productivity was similar to that of White Leghorns. A predicted annual egg production of 270-280 eggs from Easter eggers is a promising result, which could be further expanded with inclusion of other breeder combinations."

 

[sylviethecochin]

Cool! I've tossed a Blue Ameraucana rooster in with my laying flock, trying to produce that exact result.

I've heard that white layers often carry a gene that inhibits brown pigment in the eggshell. Do you know if that's true?

 

[nicalandia]

I've heard that white layers often carry a gene that inhibits brown pigment in the eggshell. Do you know if that's true?

It's true, recessive sex linked.

 

[nicalandia]

"A predicted annual egg production of 270-280 eggs from Easter eggers is a promising result"

Those results are Outstanding indeed, it shows an exceptional 12% Heterosis effect(the average of both parent's production would be 246 eggs per year, yet these F1 hens produce about 270-280 eggs per year), it's a shame they did not explore reciprocal crosses(WL Rooster x Araucana Hens), going by previous research on reciprocal crosses of WLxRJF, RJFxWL the reciprocal cross of WLxA would have laid close to 300 eggs per year, much more productive hens, but I believe that after maximizing efficiency of such operations the Araucana rooster(sire) x WL hens scheme will undoubtedly be more productive(WL hens will produce over 150 F1 pullets per year when compared to about 90 F1 pullets per year from Araucana hens for the same housing and less feed).

 

[sylviethecochin]

"A predicted annual egg production of 270-280 eggs from Easter eggers is a promising result"

Those results are Outstanding indeed, it shows an exceptional 12% Heterosis effect(the average of both parent's production would be 246 eggs per year, yet these F1 hens produce about 270-280 eggs per year), it's a shame they did not explore reciprocal crosses(WL Rooster x Araucana Hens), going by previous research on reciprocal crosses of WLxRJF, RJFxWL the reciprocal cross of WLxA would have laid close to 300 eggs per year, much more productive hens, but I believe that after maximizing efficiency of such operations the Araucana rooster(sire) x WL hens scheme will undoubtedly be more productive(WL hens will produce over 150 F1 pullets per year when compared to about 90 F1 pullets per year from Araucana hens for the same housing and less feed).

Also, I'm going to guess that it's really expensive to source a bunch of Araucana pullets in the first place.

 

[nicalandia]

Also, I'm going to guess that it's really expensive to source a bunch of Araucana pullets in the first place.

True, also sourcing a Hyl-line W-36 production type Leghorn rooster will also be quite difficult if not impossible.

I am trying to source a good Araucana/Ameraucana rooster and cross it with some Hy-Line Browns to produce F1s that should be quite prolific green eggers.