Heilongjiang Yellow Chicken

Heilongjiang Yellow Chicken

　　Heilongjiang Yellow Chicken is mainly distributed in the rural areas surrounding Qiqihar and the state-owned farms in the Nenjiang region. In recent years, its presence has expanded to places such as the Greater Khingan Mountains and Beian. The total number of these chickens in the province is relatively small, with only around ten thousand hens. This yellow chicken is a dual-purpose breed for both eggs and meat. It was first developed by the Heilongjiang Provincial Animal Husbandry Research Institute in 1965.

　　The Heilongjiang Yellow Chicken is characterized by its cold resistance, ability to thrive on rough feed, strong foraging skills, good egg-laying performance, and tender, delicious meat. The birds have a long body with a prominent chest and well-developed hindquarters. They have a single comb, with the comb, wattles, and face being red, white earlobes, and yellow beaks, shanks, and toes. Their feathers are light yellow, slightly darker in roosters. Some chickens exhibit phoenix feather patterns on their necks, tails, or bodies, with white tail tips.

　　The Heilongjiang Yellow Chicken has excellent egg-laying performance. Under good feeding and management conditions, the average annual egg production is around 150 eggs. Under more extensive management, the average drops to about 90 eggs per year. The average egg weight is 54 grams. The eggshells are white, and the hens start laying eggs at around 200–230 days of age.

　　The meat of the Heilongjiang Yellow Chicken is tender and palatable. Six-month-old cockerels or one-year-old pullets have more tender meat compared to Leghorn chickens of the same age. According to slaughter tests, the average semi-eviscerated dressing percentage for 180-day-old cocks and hens is 78.59%, while for 250-day-old cocks and hens, it averages 81.4% and 83.86% respectively.