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, developing a novel chicken breed capable of producing over 200 eggs annually. This yield is nearly triple that of traditional local hens.

The innovation, supported financially by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB), represents a crucial stride towards diminishing reliance on imported poultry breeds and bolstering sustainable rural livelihoods.

According to the UAF’s Institute of Animal Sciences, the UniGold breed is specifically designed for backyard poultry farming and exhibits strong performance in the low- to medium-input systems prevalent in central and southern Punjab. Its low feeder demands contribute to enhanced heat tolerance.

Two separate varieties—full neck and naked neck—have been bred to effectively adapt to rural conditions, both demonstrating robust adaptability to local climates and feeding practices.

The UniGold breed outstrips conventional native chickens in terms of productivity. While local hens typically lay just 70–80 eggs each year, UniGold hens have the capacity to produce between 179 and 212 eggs annually. The average egg weight is approximately 52 grammes, which is a 25% increase compared to their indigenous counterparts.

Data obtained from the Poultry Research Institute indicates that UniGold hens attain laying maturity at 25–26 weeks, with hen-day production rates reaching as high as 83.2% at 32 weeks of age. Furthermore, the breed’s notable resilience to heat stress and reduced feed requirements render it particularly valuable for regions susceptible to climate change.

The development of UniGold addresses a persistent deficiency in Pakistan’s poultry industry.

Despite the sector’s extensive size, second only to textiles, there is a substantial reliance on imported parent stock for both layers and broilers. The introduction of the UniGold breed presents a domestic alternative that preserves genetic resources while simultaneously improving rural income and food security.

Rural poultry farming, accounting for 36% of Pakistan’s total egg production, is vital for empowering women and ensuring household nutrition.

The success of UniGold is anticipated to provide benefits to landless farmers and rural families, aiding in poverty alleviation and decreasing dependency on imported breeds like Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red.

UAF intends to increase production through the planned establishment of an Indigenous Chicken Research and Development Centre, which will facilitate the distribution of the UniGold breed to farmers throughout Pakistan.