The sixth generation of three native chickens: expected response, mortality, body weight, and productivity

The study aimed to assess the performance of three native chicken genotypes over six generations under intensive management. A total of 1488 day-old chicks (Naked Neck, NN-316; Hilly, HI-535; and Non-descript Deshi, ND-637) were used to produce the sixth generation (G6). Adult birds were individually housed with feeders and drinkers. Concentrate feed containing 20.06 % CP and 2908 Kcal ME/kg DM; 18.13 % CP and 2904 Kcal ME/kg DM and 16.33 % CP and 2845 Kcal ME/kg DM, were fed twice daily in the morning and evening to the birds during the brooding, growing and laying periods, respectively. Significant differences in body weight at 8th week was observed, with HI genotype having the highest weight (705.76g). NN genotype had slightly higher chick mortality (3.79 %) compared to ND (3.13 %) and HI (2.80 %) between 0–8 weeks. Age at first egg was affected by genotype, with ND, HI, and NN laying at 148.84, 152.39, and 153.24 days, respectively. Fertility was also influenced by genotype, with the highest hatchability in ND (88.98 %), intermediate in HI (83.72 %), and lowest in NN (79.99 %). In conclusion, HI genotype is recommended for meat production, while NN genotype is suitable for egg production. Continued selection of indigenous chicken lines is advised for further improvement.