Comparison of Laying Performance and Egg Quality in Crossbred Korean Native Commercial Layers and Hy-Line Brown Raised in Individual Cages

This study assessed the laying performance and egg quality of a commercial layer breed (Hy-Line Brown) compared to 12 crossbred strains (i.e., CFCK, CFYC, CFYD, CKCF, CKYC, CKYD, YCYD, YCCF, YCCK, YDCF, YDCK, and YDYC) of Korean Native Chicken (KNC) during the laying period. A total of 130 hens were housed in individual cages. The results revealed that the body weight of the KNC crossbreeds was significantly lower than that of the Hy-Line Brown (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). YDCF crossbreed exhibited a survival rate of 100%. The CFYC demonstrated an earlier age at first egg (127 days) and age at 50% egg production (150 days), while YCCF had a shorter interval between these ages. YCCF sustained a 100% laying rate from 28 to 40 weeks and maintained a 75% laying rate at 64 weeks. At 32 weeks, egg weight was numerically higher in the CKCF and YCCF. Eggshell strength was numerically higher in YCCK and YCCF at 24 weeks and in YDCK, YCCK, and YCCF at 32 weeks. No significant differences in yolk color were observed between the Hy-Line Brown and KNC crossbreeds. In conclusion, YCCF demonstrated strong potential for further development and refinement in commercial egg production, given its consistently high laying performance and advantageous egg quality traits.