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Abstract
The experiment was conducted with RIR x BPR, RIR x WR and WR x WLH crosses developed by Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute to assess their production performance under farmer's condition. A total of 1800 straight run day old chicks of three genotypes having 600 in each crosses were distributed among the nine farmers with 200 chicks to each farmer i.e. each cross had three replications. The productive performance of the crosses were studied up to 36 weeks of age. All the experimental birds were reared in open sided bamboo made slated house with straw based gable type roof. The study reveals that the live weight gain was significantly (p<0.01) higher in RIR x WR 6t 8 weeks of age compared to other two crosses but at 20 weeks of age the RIR x BPR cross obtained significantly (p<0.001) higher body weight than that of RIR x WR and WR x WLH crosses. While, the feed conversion efficiency of RIR x BPR cross was significantly (p<0.01) higher at 8 weeks of age but at 20 weeks of age there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in feed conversion efficiency among the genotypes. Further, it was indicated that the WR x WLH cross produced highest number of eggs (p<0.001) compared to other genotypes during 24 to 36 weeks of laying period. Earlier peak egg production was obtained in RIR x WR cross (192d), which was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of other two crosses. The mortality percentage was lowest in RIR x WR cross compared to others. Therefore, it may be concluded that the WR x WLH cross will be suitable as layer genotype and RIR x WR cross may be reared as cockerel (meat) production because their growth was higher at early 8 weeks of age.