Poultry Breakthrough: UAF Develops High-Yield Chicken Breed

FAISALABAD: Scientists at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have achieved a significant advancement in the poultry sector, creating a novel chicken breed capable of producing over 200 eggs each year. This yield is almost triple that of typical local hens.

The Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) provided funding for this innovation, representing a crucial step toward lessening the reliance on imported poultry breeds and bolstering sustainable rural economies.

According to the UAF’s Institute of Animal Sciences, the UniGold breed is designed for small-scale poultry farming. It thrives in the low- to medium-input systems prevalent in central and southern Punjab. Its minimal feeder requirements enable it to withstand heat stress effectively.

Two separate varieties—full neck and naked neck—have been cultivated to accommodate rural settings, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to regional climates and available feed.

Enhanced Productivity

The UniGold breed demonstrates superior productivity compared to conventional indigenous chickens. Standard native hens generally lay between 70 and 80 eggs per year. In contrast, UniGold hens can lay from 179 to 212 eggs annually, with eggs averaging around 52 grammes, approximately 25% heavier than those of their indigenous counterparts.

Information from the Poultry Research Institute indicates that UniGold hens attain laying maturity at 25–26 weeks, boasting hen-day production rates reaching 83.2% by 32 weeks of age. The breed’s notable resilience to heat and reduced feed needs make it particularly beneficial for areas vulnerable to changing climate conditions.

Addressing a Sector Gap

The development of UniGold also fills a long-existing void within Pakistan’s poultry industry.

Despite the sector’s substantial size, ranking second only to textiles, there is still considerable dependence on imported parent stock for both layers and broilers. UniGold delivers a domestic option that sustains genetic resources while increasing rural earnings and securing food supplies.

Rural poultry contributes 36% of Pakistan’s total egg production and is vital in empowering women and ensuring household nutrition.

The anticipated success of UniGold should greatly assist landless farmers and rural families, helping to reduce poverty and the need for imported breeds such as Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red.

UAF is planning to increase production through the planned establishment of an Indigenous Chicken Research and Development Centre. This center will facilitate the distribution of the UniGold breed to farmers throughout Pakistan.