ENGLISH SOMALI
The Dekalb White chicken is a globally renowned breed celebrated for its remarkable
egg-laying ability, efficiency, and adaptability. These chickens are capable of producing up to 500 eggs in 100 weeks when managed under optimal conditions. Their outstanding performance and low-maintenance nature make them a top choice for commercial poultry farmers worldwide.
Why Choose Dekalb White Chickens?
- Unmatched Egg Production
- Laying capacity: Up to 500 eggs in 100 weeks.
- Consistency: Maintains high egg production throughout the laying cycle.
- Average egg weight: 63 grams, ideal for market demand.
- Feed Efficiency
- Feed conversion rate: 2.24 kg of feed per kg of eggs, ensuring cost-effective production.
- Adaptability
- Thrive in barn, aviary, and free-range systems, making them versatile for various farming environments.
- High survival rate: Over 92.5% even in challenging climates.
- Docile and Easy to Manage
- Calm temperament makes them suitable for farmers with limited experience.
- Low stress levels contribute to consistent production.
Can Dekalb White Chickens Be Bred to Maintain Performance?
No, Dekalb White chickens cannot be bred to produce generations with the same quality as the original flock. They are hybrid layers developed through a proprietary breeding process by Hendrix Genetics. Subsequent generations (F2) will exhibit:
- Reduced egg production.
- Poor feed efficiency.
- Inconsistent traits.
Why Can’t They Be Bred for Consistency?
- Hybrid Vigor: The exceptional performance of Dekalb White chickens results from the hybrid vigor achieved through crossing genetically distinct parent lines. This vigor diminishes in the next generation.
- Controlled Parent Lines: The genetic lines used to produce Dekalb Whites are exclusively maintained by Hendrix Genetics and are not accessible to farmers.
Solution:
Farmers should purchase certified chicks or ready-to-lay pullets from authorized suppliers to maintain flock consistency and performance.
Management Tips for Optimal Performance
- Housing Requirements
- Stocking density: 12–14 birds per m² during rearing and laying periods.
- Nest boxes: 1 per 5–6 hens to prevent floor eggs.
- Provide proper ventilation and lighting to reduce stress.
- Feeding Programs
- Starter feed (0–4 weeks): High-protein feed with 20.5% crude protein.
- Transition to layer feed rich in calcium to support strong eggshells.
- Lighting Programs
- Gradual increases in light starting at 16 weeks stimulate laying.
- Uniform lighting minimizes stress and ensures consistent laying.
- Health and Biosecurity
- Regular vaccinations to prevent diseases like Newcastle Disease.
- Maintain clean water, proper litter, and sanitized housing.
Conclusion
The Dekalb White chicken is an exceptional breed capable of producing up to 500 eggs in 100 weeks, provided they are managed under optimal conditions. While they cannot be bred to replicate their performance in subsequent generations, sourcing certified chicks from reliable suppliers ensures consistent productivity and profitability. With proper care and management, Dekalb White chickens are a cornerstone of successful poultry farming.
References:
- Institut de Sélection Animale BV. Dekalb White Product Guide: Alternative Production Systems.
- Hendrix Genetics. Understanding the Genetics Behind Hybrid Layers.
