Growth Performance, Survivability, and Egg Production Characteristics of Five Korean Native Chicken Parent-Stock Lines

This study evaluated growth performance, survival rate, and productive traits among five Korean native chicken (KNC) strains denoted as YC, YD, CF, CK, and RC from hatch to 52 weeks of age. A total of 850 birds (600 hens and 250 roosters) were allocated in a completely randomized design. Body weight was recorded biweekly until week 16 and at four‑week intervals thereafter for hens and roosters. Survival rates were monitored throughout, and hen-day egg production (HDEP) was assessed from 16 to 52 weeks of age. Strain-dependent differences in body weight were observed for both hens and roosters at all ages (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). RC hens consistently exhibited superior growth, reaching a final weight of 2198.17 g at week 52. In contrast, CF hens showed the lowest body weights (2,006.73 g). Rooster growth followed similar patterns, with RC attaining the highest final weight (2,719.58 g at week 28), while CK remained significantly lighter (2,363.75 g, <i>P</i> = 0.004). Survival rates also differed among strains. By week 48, CK hens exhibited the lowest survival (70%), whereas YC maintained higher survivability (80%). CF rooster maintaining 100% survival up to 12 weeks, while YD recorded the lowest (78% at week 8). Egg production peaked between weeks 24 and 28 (79—89%). Significant differences re-emerged during the late laying phase (weeks 40—52; <i>P</i>&lt;0.05), with YC hens demonstrating superior performance, sustaining 83% at week 52. Overall, RC demonstrated superior growth, YC excelled in late-phase egg production, and CF maintained high rooster survival.