Öko2Huhn – Dual-Purpose Chickens in Organic Farming – Breeding, Assessing the Potential of Suitable Genetic Origins, and Implementation in Practice

The overarching aim of the project is to further develop the dual-purpose use of chickens (meat and eggs from the same genetic origin) in organic farming. The far-reaching problems associated with conventional breeding programmes focused on single traits and specialised performance still persist in organic farming. To best meet the diverse production structures and requirements of the sector, both cross-breeding approaches and the pure breeding of chicken breeds will be pursued. The project consistently focuses on the dual-purpose use of chickens for both egg and meat production.

HNEE work package: Performance data for female birds (egg production; 50 batches) and male birds (growth and slaughter performance; 40 batches), as well as animal welfare indicators of particular importance in organic farming, were collected on organic farms. A wide range of genetic origins suitable for use as dual-purpose chickens were included, comprising purebred chickens, commercial crosses and dual-purpose hybrids.

As part of the project extension, a practical trial and an optimised field trial (intervention study) will be used to identify measures for optimising the management of dual-purpose chickens, and to develop and evaluate recommendations for agricultural practice.

Duration: 1 February 2020 to 31 December 2022.
Extension of the project until 31 December 2026