The experiment was performed on meat-type (Ross 308; 100 ♂ and 100)♀ and egg-type (Messa 445, 100)♂ chickens. Broilers were reared to six of age, and layer-type chickens – to six, eight and ten weeks of age, in accordance with universally accepted technological standards. Over the rearing period all chickens were weighed individually at seven-day intervals. Feed consumption and mortality rates were recorded on a regular basis. 12 ♂ and ♀ Ross chickens (aged six weeks) and 12 ♂ Messa chickens (aged six, eight and ten weeks) were selected randomly for slaughter. At six weeks of age layer-type chickens, as compared with broilers, had over fourfold lower body weights, and were characterized by higher feed consumption per kg of body weight (1956 vs. 1796 g) and per kg of meat (6134 vs. 3972 g) as well as by higher production costs. As the rearing period of Messa chickens was extended, the feed conversion ratio increased and the values of economic indices decreased.

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