Chengdu White Chicken

Chengdu White Chicken

　　Chengdu White Chicken

　　Breed Description

　　Origin and Distribution: This is a dual-purpose breed for both eggs and meat. It was developed by Sichuan Agricultural University (formerly Sichuan Agricultural College).

　　Physical Characteristics: The body is round and plump, with a broad and deep chest. The entire plumage is white. The beak, shanks, and toes are yellow. Roosters have red earlobes with pink speckles. They have a single upright comb and well-developed sickle feathers. Hens have a single comb of medium size with a slight “S” shape curve. The main tail feathers are well-developed and slightly curl upwards toward the back. Chicks are covered in milky-white down feathers. Their beaks, shanks, and toes are light yellow.

　　Breed Performance:

　　 ① Growth Rate and Meat Production Performance Average Weight: 42 grams at birth; 573 grams for roosters and 544 grams for hens at 60 days old; 1042 grams for roosters and 953 grams for hens at 90 days old; 2348 grams for roosters and 1869 grams for hens at 180 days old. At 180 days old, the average dressing percentage for roosters is 67.00%, and for hens is 68.00%.

　　 ② Egg Production and Reproduction Performance Hens begin laying eggs at an average age of 186 days. The average annual egg production is 185 eggs, with an average egg weight of 55 grams. The average eggshell thickness is 0.31 mm, and the average egg shape index is 1.35. The eggshells are light brown. Roosters reach sexual maturity at 140–160 days. The recommended breeding ratio is 1 rooster to 12 hens. The average fertility rate of breeding eggs is 93%, and the average hatching rate of fertilized eggs is 90%. The productive lifespan of both roosters and hens is 1–2 years.