The experiment was carried out with 320 chickens (fast-growing Hubbard Flex and slow-growing Hubbard JA 957) divided into two experimental groups, each having 160 birds in four replicates, with 40 birds per replicate. During the experiment, body weight was measured initially and at weekly intervals, and feed intake and flock health were determined to calculate feed conversion (kg per 1 kg gain) and percent mortality in the flock. The aim of the study was to compare body weight, growth rate and production results in fast-growing Hubbard Flex (42 days) and slow-growing Hubbard JA 957 (42 and 63 days) chickens designed for free-range husbandry. It was found that fast-growing Hub-bard Flex chickens reared to 42 days of age were characterized by higher body weight and better feed conversion compared to Hubbard JA 957 chickens, at both 42 and 63 days of age. However, the flock of slow-growing Hubbard JA 957 chickens was in better health. Until 42 days of growth, mortality in this flock was 1.87% compared to 3.38% in the Hubbard Flex flock. Over the whole rearing period (63 days), Hubbard JA 957 chickens had a mortality of 3.16%. Because of their better resistance and lower mortality, especially during the final period of growth, slow-growing chickens should be a more desirable choice for alternative husbandry systems.
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