Abstract
Relevance . In commercial poultry farming, the efficiency of broiler meat production is determined by the genetic potential of the crosses used. A comparative assessment of egg productivity in parent flocks of domestic and foreign crosses under specific production conditions is essential for optimizing technological decisions. Materials and Methods. The research and production trial was conducted in 2024–2025 at a poultry farm in Penza Oblast, Russian Federation. Parent flocks of Ross 308 (8,870 hens, 756 cockerels) and Smena 9 (9,060 hens, 1,020 cockerels) crosses were studied. The following parameters were evaluated: survival rate, live weight, egg production, hatching egg yield, fertility, hatchability, and economic efficiency. Housing and feeding conditions complied with zootechnical standards. Results . The survival rate of Ross 308 hens exceeded that of Smena 9 by 6.0%, while the survival rate of Smena 9 cockerels was 14.2% higher. Average egg production of Ross 308 was 17.9% higher. Fertility and hatchability were superior in Smena 9 by 4.8% and 6.5%, respectively. Per initial hen, the Ross 308 parent flock produced 57.0 more hatching eggs and 34.3 more day-old chicks. The profitability of hatching egg and chick production in Ross 308 was 44.6% and 111.6%, respectively, exceeding that of Smena 9 by 32.3% and 37.5%. The use of the Ross 308 parent flock is recommended.