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It has been shown that Styrian Chickens lay the most eggs when bred traditionally (extensively), on the farm's backyard. [5] Relatively small [6] eggs are light, of ivory colour and usually weigh 55 grams. [3] The Altsteirer is a dual-purpose breed mostly used for obtaining eggs, but also slaughtered for its good quality meat, [3] especially of ...
In the early part of the twentieth century, it was one of the principal breeds kept for this purpose, until it was displaced by modern industrial hybrid lines. It may be kept as a dual-purpose bird. Hens lay some 180–200 tinted eggs per year; some layer strains may give up to 250. [7] The eggs weigh about 60 g. [9]
Most chickens are raised for food, providing meat and eggs; others are kept as pets [1] or for cockfighting. Chickens are common and widespread domestic animals, with a total population of 26.5 billion as of 2023, and an annual production of more than 50 billion birds. A hen bred for laying can produce over 300 eggs per year.
Scientists had found that chickens fed an antibiotic residue grew 50 percent faster than controls. [73] The chickens laid more eggs and experienced lower mortality and less illness. Upon this discovery, farmers transitioned from expensive animal proteins to comparatively inexpensive antibiotics and B12.
In 1900, average egg production was 83 eggs per hen per year. In 2000, it was well over 300. In the United States, laying hens are butchered after their second egg laying season. In Europe, they are generally butchered after a single season. The laying period begins when the hen is about 18–20 weeks old (depending on breed and season).
The most common commercial breed in the United Kingdom and the United States is the Pekin duck, which can lay 200 eggs a year and can reach a weight of 3.5 kg (7 lb 11 oz) in 44 days. [34] In the Western world , ducks are not as popular as chickens, because the latter produce larger quantities of white, lean meat and are easier to keep ...
For hens used in egg production in the US, as of 2011 the FCR was about 2, with each hen laying about 330 eggs per year. [25] When slaughtered, the world average layer flock as of 2013 yields a carcass FCR of 4.2, still much better than the average backyard chicken flock (FCR 9.2 for eggs, 14.6 for carcass).
Selective breeding over the centuries has produced hens that lay more eggs than they can hatch. Some of this progress was ancient, but most occurred after 1900. In 1900, average egg production was 83 eggs per hen per year. In 2000, it was well over 300. In the United States, laying hens are butchered after their second egg laying season.