Zhuxiang Black-Bone Chicken

Zhuxiang Black-Bone Chicken

　　Zhuxiang Black-Bone Chicken

　　Variety Description

　　Origin and Distribution: A dual-purpose breed for both meat and medicinal use. It is a type of the Guizhou local chicken variety Zhuxiang Chicken, originating from Chishui City in northern Guizhou, known as the “Land of Nan Bamboo.”

　　Physical Characteristics: Single comb, flat head, broad chest and deep body, wide and short back with a relatively high posture, large and well-proportioned build. Plumage is mainly black, with mixed colors second and white least common. Black-feathered roosters often have red feather strands in their neck and back feathers, and their tail feathers have an ink-green sheen. The beak, comb, earlobes, shanks, and toes are all bluish-black, as are the skin and bones. Some chickens also have black muscles, peritoneum, and abdominal fat, appearing as if dyed with ink.

　　Breed Performance:

　　① Growth Rate and Meat Production Performance Average Weight: 35 grams at birth; 1395 grams for roosters and 1205 grams for hens at 90 days old; 2347 grams for adult roosters and 2092 grams for adult hens.

　　② Egg Production and Reproduction Performance Hens begin laying eggs at an average age of 195 days. Average annual egg production is 130 eggs, with an average egg weight of 53 grams. Eggshells are light brown. Roosters reach sexual maturity between 150–180 days. Recommended breeding ratio is 1 rooster to 10 hens. Average fertilization rate of breeding eggs is 91%, and average hatching rate of fertilized eggs is 87%. Hens have a strong brooding tendency. Useful lifespan for both roosters and hens is 1–2 years.