Layer, broiler, and Kuroiler

Chickens farmed primarily for eggs are called layer hens.

Chickens farmed for meat are called broiler chickens.

Typical broilers have white feathers and yellowish skin. Most commercial broilers reach 

slaughter-weight between four and seven weeks of age, although slower growing breeds

reach slaughter-weight at approximately 14 weeks of age.

Management of ventilation, housing, stocking density and in-house procedures must be 

evaluated regularly to support good welfare of the flock. The breeding stock (broiler-breeders) 

grow to maturity and beyond but also have welfare issues related to the frustration of a high

feeding motivation and beak trimming. Broilers are usually grown as mixed-sex flocks in large 

sheds under intensive conditions, but some breeds can be grown as free-range flocks.

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Also Read: Does 'cage-free' mean a better life for chickens?

Broilers & Layers significantly differ from each other.

** Primary striking difference is layers are females whereas broilers are unsexed comprising both 

males and females Broilers are reared for meat purpose whereas layers are reared for egg production.

** Broilers attain a body weight of around 2.2- 2.4 kg within 6 weeks because of their fast growth 

on the flip side layers attain a body weight of 1.5–1.8 kg at their sexual maturity (20-22weeks)

** Broilers are reared for a span of 38–42 days and then they are marketed and slaughtered for 

meat. Layers attain sexual maturity around 20–22 weeks and laying eggs up to 72 weeks of age 

and then they are either moulted or sold as spent hens.

** Commercially deep litter system of housing is best suited for rearing broilers whereas it is 

preferred to rear layers in caged housing systems.

** Usually broilers are reared in batches in an allin-allout system in a single rearing shed. Whereas 

layers are reared as per different growth stages in different sheds ie., Chicks(0-8weeks), growers

 (9–22 weeks) and layers (23–72 weeks).

Also Read: Three Factors make Poultry Farming a Profitable Business

The Kuroiler

The Kuroiler is a hybrid breed of chicken developed in India.

Kuroilers, a dual-purpose breed producing meat and eggs, can live on a diet of kitchen and 

agricultural waste, and produce around 150 eggs per year whereas native Indian hens lay only 

40 per year. The meat yield per bird of Kuroilers is also greater; males weigh approximately 

3.5 kg  and females about 2.5 kg whereas the native male bird weighs 2.5 kg and females 1.2 kg. 

Due to its unique genetic features, the Kuroiler is resistant to diseases. 

the kuroiler chick is a potential bio-converter of no cost agricultural, household and natural waste

abundant in villages — into human protein food and substantial incomes for rural households. 

Kuroilers have also been exported to countries such as Uganda with success.