Researchers present results of a project for improved animal welfare in poultry production

Is the so-called dual-purpose chicken an alternative to conventional chicken breeds? Researchers investigated this question within the recently completed “Integhof” cooperative project. Big Dutchman was one of the project’s partners. The focal point of the undertaking: using a so-called “dual-purpose chicken” instead of different chicken breeds that are bred specifically for one purpose (egg or meat production). Scientists of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) recently presented the results of this project. 

Over a period of 3.5 years, the researchers investigated the new concept for poultry production both experimentally and in the field at the Ruthe teaching and research facility of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. The hens of the dual-purpose chicken of the “Lohmann Dual” breed were used for egg production, and the males for meat production. This practice makes it possible to avoid the killing of male chicks of layer breeds. The holistic concept moreover aims to improve animal welfare by reducing the birds’ stress and by slowing down their performance. 

TiHo has published the project’s results. An English translation of the German press release is available at The Poultry Site – “The dual-purpose chicken: The future of poultry farming?”