Pakistani researchers have created a new breed of chicken that produces more than 200 eggs annually
UniGold hens surpass local breeds, producing nearly three times the annual egg output.
FAISALABAD: In a significant advance for Pakistan’s poultry industry, researchers at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have introduced a new chicken breed that can produce over 200 eggs per year, nearly three times the output of traditional local hens.
This development, sponsored by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB), represents a crucial step toward decreasing reliance on imported poultry breeds and fostering sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
The new breed, named UniGold, has been designed for small-scale poultry farming and performs effectively in low- to medium-input environments typical of central and southern Punjab. Its low feed requirements enable it to withstand heat stress.
Two different strains have been developed — full neck and naked neck — both of which show excellent adaptability to local climates and feeding practices.
The UniGold breed outperforms traditional indigenous chickens in terms of productivity. While native hens typically produce only 70–80 eggs per year, UniGold hens can lay between 179 and 212 eggs annually, with an average egg weight of around 52 grams—25% more than their indigenous counterparts.
Research from the Poultry Research Institute indicates that UniGold hens reach maturity for laying at 25–26 weeks, achieving hen-day production rates of up to 83.2% by 32 weeks of age. Additionally, this breed demonstrates strong resistance to heat stress and has lower feed requirements, making it especially valuable in areas prone to climate change.
The introduction of UniGold also addresses a persistent challenge in Pakistan’s poultry industry. Despite being the second-largest sector after textiles, the industry heavily relies on imported breeding stock for layers and broilers. UniGold provides a local alternative that helps conserve genetic resources while boosting rural incomes and promoting food security.
Rural poultry farming, responsible for 36% of Pakistan’s total egg output, plays a crucial role in empowering women and enhancing household nutrition.
The success of UniGold is anticipated to support landless farmers and rural households, contributing to poverty alleviation and reducing dependence on imported breeds like Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red.
The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) plans to expand production with the proposed establishment of an Indigenous Chicken Research and Development Centre, aimed at distributing the UniGold breed to farmers throughout Pakistan.
