MJAS

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Effects of Rearing System and Age on Egg Weight and Egg Production of Three Pure-Line Local Village Chickens

Julie Marzlinda, M.R.¹*, Nooraisyah, S.², Azrikin Shah, A.¹, Muhammad Syafri Famin, A.A. ¹, Muhammad Khairul Azwan, M.¹, Syahirah, M. Y. ¹, Norbaizura, H.³

¹Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Kluang, KM 15 Jalan Kluang-Kota Tinggi, 86000 Kluang, Johor.
²Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI -UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor.
³Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Muadzam Shah, KM 5 Jalan Rompin, 26700 Muadzam Shah, Pahang.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2026 29(1): 49-58

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This study evaluated the effects of genotype, rearing system, and age on egg weight (EWT) and hen-day egg production (HDEP) in three pure lines of Malaysian local village chickens (Groups A, B, and D) maintained at MARDI. Two rearing systems were used indicating 20 birds per line were used in individual cages (CG) and 45 per line in the litter floor pens system(LF) the performance was monitored from 18 to 36 weeks of age. Genotype and rearing systems significantly affected both EWT (p < 0.0001) and HDEP (p = 0.0016) traits. Group B produced the heaviest eggs (45.17 g) and the highest HDEP (51.92%), followed by Groups D and A. Hens reared on LF exhibited slightly higher EWT (44.38 g) and markedly higher HDEP (57.52%) compared to those in CG (43.95 g; 41.53%). Significant genotype × rearing system interactions (p < 0.05) indicated that performance varied among genotypes under different housing environments. Age exerted a strong effect on both traits (p < 0.0001), with significant age × system and age × genotype interactions (p < 0.001). Peak productivity occurred at 27 -29 weeks of age (EWT: 46.5 g; HDEP: 62.4%). These findings demonstrate that genotype, rearing system, and age collectively and interactively influence egg weight and laying performance in pure chicken lines, emphasizing the importance of integrating genetic selection and housing management strategies to improve productivity and sustainability in local poultry breeding programs.