FAISALABAD, Apr 23 (Alliance News): In a significant advancement for Pakistan’s poultry industry, scientists at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have developed a new indigenous chicken breed, UniGold, capable of laying over 200 eggs annually, nearly three times the yield of traditional local hens.
The project, supported by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB), aims to reduce reliance on imported poultry stock and enhance rural livelihoods through sustainable backyard poultry farming.
Developed by UAF’s Institute of Animal Sciences, UniGold has been designed to perform well in low- to medium-input environments typical of central and southern Punjab.
Its two strains — full neck and naked neck — are adapted to local climates and resistant to heat stress, making them ideal for regions affected by climate change.
According to researchers, UniGold hens begin laying at around 25–26 weeks of age and can produce between 179 and 212 eggs per year, significantly outperforming indigenous breeds that typically yield just 70–80 eggs annually. The average egg weight is 52 grams, roughly 25% heavier than eggs from native hens.
UniGold’s high productivity, lower feed requirements, and ability to withstand harsh temperatures position it as a game-changer for rural poultry farming.
It also addresses a critical gap in Pakistan’s poultry sector, which despite being the country’s second-largest industry after textiles, remains largely dependent on imported parent stock such as Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red.
The Poultry Research Institute data shows UniGold hens achieving hen-day production rates of up to 83.2% at 32 weeks, making them not just resilient but also cost-effective.
With rural poultry contributing 36% of Pakistan’s total egg output, UniGold’s introduction is expected to empower women, improve household nutrition, and boost income for landless farmers and low-resource families.
To further promote the breed, UAF plans to establish an Indigenous Chicken Research and Development Centre, aimed at mass breeding and distributing UniGold chickens across the country.
