Evaluation of feed efficiency traits was conducted in different strains of egg laying chicken viz; two selected strains of Single Comb White Leghorn (PL1 and PL 2), a White Leghorn random bred control line (PL3), and two Rhode Island Red (RIR-B and RIR-C) strains. Among the White Leghorn selected strains, PL2 laid more number of eggs with higher egg mass (g), consumed more feed per day and started laying earlier than PL1. White Leghorn selected strains (PL1 and PL2) had higher feed consumption, feed efficiency per-dozen eggs and per-kg egg mass, expected feed consumption (g), body weights, egg mass output and attained early sexual maturity as compared to control line during different periods except during 21–24 week period which was due to selection for egg weight and egg number. RIR strains, even due to their higher body weights, had lesser feed consumption and egg mass output. Residual feed consumption (RFC) of PL3 was negative during all age periods indicating its higher feed consumption than expected on the basis of metabolic body weight, gain in weight and egg mass. Residual feed consumption (g) was higher in selected line than control line during 25–28, 33–36 and 37–40 weeks periods.
Feed efficiency, White Leghorn, RIR strain
