EGG-LAYING RECORDS.

Shannon News, 30 April 1926, Page 2

EGG-LAYING RECORDS.

• 345 EGGS IN 365 DAYS. Interesting details are to band from Christchurch and Masterton dealing with the competitions just completed, which give food for thought as Jo just what is the limit which will eventually toe attained in the matter of egg-production. Two new world’s records were put up at the Papamfi (Christchurch) competition, run under the supervision of the New Zealand Utility Poultry Cluto, the first being the laying of 34a eggs in 365 days by a White Leghorn hen, bred by Mr H. Williams, of Christchurch, the second record being the laying of 936 eggs by his team of three birds, or an average of 312 eggs per bird. These birds were penned in separate pens, their individual scores being 345, 369, and 282 respectively. , A New Zealand record for a nock team of six birds was put up toy the White Leghorns entered by Mr Ward, of Christchurch, which laid 1661 eggs in 365 days. In this connection it is .interesting to note that- the flock team of ducks which scored the highest tally also laid 1661 eggs.. They were the property of Mr H. W. Beck. An indication is afforded as to the progress which has been made- b\ New Zealand breeders during the past few years, when it is remembered that the average number of eggs laid by the birds in the first. New Zealand competition was 139, whereas in the. Pananui competition just completed the averages were as follow:—White Leghorns, 224 eggs,- Black Orpingtons 202 1-3; ducks,' all breeds, H9o e SB s per bird. It is not to be wondered at that inquiries for stock especially in the- White Leghorn section ‘ are being received from America, EnglandSouth Africa, and Australia. _ THE MASTERTON COMPETITION The Masterton Poultry Club held its annual opening and prize day on Saturday. Twenty-five birds ,competed during the other competition which had just concluded, the total number -of eggs produced being 46* 2-3 dozens, of a value of £44 16s <d. or an average per bird of £1 15s 10d The cost of feed -wa s £2O 5s 6d., or an average of 16s 2d. per bird, showing a gross 4‘Ct-nrn, over cost of feed of £24 11s. Id., or 19s. Bd. per bird. This appears to be satistactoay m these-days of high cost of feed. Hutrophy donated toy Mr. L. B. Mautisell, for . bird laying the most eggs, standard weight, was won by Mr, G. W. Sellar’s White Leghorn, with 288 eggs of an average weight ol 240 z. per dozen. Mrs Vallance s silver cup was also won by the same bird. ' ~ The club’s prizes were won by Mr Sellar (288) and -Mr Tozer (282), m the light breeds; and -Mr Bailey (Rhode Island Reds), 282, and Wadham (B.O.) 268 eggs.