Comparative Evaluation of Production Traits in Four Plumage Phenotypes of Rhode Island Red Chickens Reared in Sindh, Pakistan

The present study was conducted to evaluate the production performance of four plumage phenotypes of Rhode Island Red chickens, namely Red, Red with Black Tail, Red with White Flecks and Light Red, under semi-intensive management conditions. A total of 300 laying hens were observed from 20 to 42 weeks of age. Significant (P≤0.05) differences were recorded among phenotypes for cumulative feed intake (CFI), final body weight (FBW), egg production (EP%), daily average egg weight (DAEW), cumulative egg mass (CEM) and feed conversion ratios (FCR/dozen eggs and FCR/kg egg mass), while livability remained unaffected (P>0.05). Red and Red with White Flecks phenotypes consumed more feed, whereas Light Red birds showed the lowest feed intake. The highest body weight and egg production were observed in the Red phenotype. Light Red birds demonstrated superior feed efficiency with the lowest FCR values and produced comparatively higher egg mass along with Red birds. Livability ranged from 95–98% across all phenotypes, indicating good adaptability under the prevailing management conditions. The findings suggest that plumage phenotype significantly influences productive performance traits in Rhode Island Red chickens.