Crossbreeding for Egg Production

SEVERAL experiments have been conducted for determining the effect of crossbreeding poultry on rate of growth Most of the investigators seem to be in general agreement that crossbreeding tends to improve growth and hatchability. None of the experiments has been conducted, however, to determine the effect of crossbreeding from the standpoint of diallel matings on egg production. Hutt (1949) pointed out that experiments in which the same males and females are mated with birds of their own breed and other breeds (diallel crosses) might better reveal the influence of crossing on egg production. The following investigation was conducted in an attempt to learn more concerning crossbreeding for egg production when the purebred and crossbred females were actually half-sisters. Warren (1942) reporting data collected from 1926 to 1940, concluded that the crossbreds generally were superior or equal to the better parent for egg production. Ranking 30 comparisons for all economic traits . . .