September 11, 2007

Hy-Line says Brown variety layers well-adapted to free range

Hy-Line Brown flocks are well-adapted to the free-range environment, the company claimed after it conducted a research study using 25 free-range flocks.

The results of the study, published in the British Journal of Veterinary Record, laid claim to the fact that the company's Brown variety outlived any other bird and produced better eggs on less feed than other birds. 

The Hy-Line Brown consumed 7 grammes less feed per bird per day than an alternative breed during the same laying period, the study claimed.

These results demonstrate the clear advantage of the Hy-Line Brown compared to other breeds on British free-range farms, stated Hy-Line International¡¯s R&D director, Dr Neil O¡¯Sullivan, adding that all other birds in the study had double the mortality.

The study showed that Hy-Line Brown flocks had significantly lower mortality than the combined results of a group of seven different competitive commercial varieties. Low mortality was also correlated with fewer off grade eggs ¡°seconds¡± and rough eggs, and better body condition scores.

The researchers measured bird attitude, activity, adapability and physical welfare over the laying period of the flocks, amongst other factors.

Half of the eggs sold in the UK are expected to come from free-range chickens in the next five years. The percentage is now one in three.