The present research work was undertaken to compare and evaluate performance of three crossbreds which were generated by mating of males of Australorp (A), Naked neck (Na) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) with the White Leghorn (IWP strain) females. The experimental crosses have been designated as A x IWP, Na x IWP and RIR x IWP. The traits measured were body weights at 0 day (BW0), 4 (BW4), 8 (BW8), 12 (BW12), 16 (BW16), 20 (BW20), 24 (BW24), 28 (BW28), 32 (BW32), 36 (BW36) and 40 (BW40) weeks of age,age at first egg (AFE), egg number produced up to 40 weeks of age (TEN40), egg weight at 24 (EW24), 28 (EW28), 32 (EW32), 36 (EW36) and 40 (EW40) weeks of age, total egg mass (kg) up to 40 weeks of age (TEM40), four weekly feed consumption from 21–40 weeks i.e. FC24, FC28, FC32, FC36 and FC40 and total feed consumption of 21–40 weeks i.e. TFC40, feed efficiency as feed consumption per egg (FC/E), feed consumption per dozen eggs (FC/DE) and feed consumption per kilo egg (FC/KE) and return over feed cost (ROFC). A x IWP crossbred has significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight at all ages as compared to Na x IWP and RIR x IWP crossbreds. Na x IWP and RIR x IWP crossbreds matured significantly (P<0.05) earlier as compared to A x IWP crossbred. Na x IWP and RIR x IWP crossbreds had produced significantly (P<0.05) more eggs of same weight resulting into higher egg mass as compared to A x IWP crossbred. Na x IWP and RIR x IWP crossbreds had significantly (P<0.05) better feed efficiency in terms of feed consumption per egg, feed consumption per dozen eggs and feed consumption per kg. of eggs as compared to A x IWP crossbred. Na x IWP and RIR x IWP crossbreds have significantly (P<0.05) higher return over feed cost as compared to A x IWP crossbred. The study revealed that Na x IWP and RIR x IWP crossbreds were better in egg production, feed efficiency and return over feed cost as compared to A x IWP crossbred. A x IWP crossbred is better in growth performance.
Body weight, feed efficiency, return over feed cost
