The Leghorn is a [[Chickens|chicken]] breed originating from Italy, specifically from the port city of Livorno. The breed is one of the most prolific egg layers in the world, with commercial strains producing 280 to 320 white eggs per year. Leghorns are the foundation of the modern commercial egg industry and remain the most efficient egg-laying breed available.
Leghorns were imported to the United States from Italy in the early 19th century and were named after the English translation of Livorno. The breed was refined in America and New England for egg production. The single-comb white Leghorn became the dominant breed in the commercial egg industry by the mid-20th century and remains so today. The breed was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874.
Leghorns are small, active birds with hens weighing 2 to 2.5 kilograms and roosters weighing 2.5 to 3 kilograms. The most common variety is white, but the breed exists in many colors including brown, black, buff, and barred. Leghorns have large single combs, white earlobes, and yellow legs. They are flighty, alert, and excellent foragers. Their small size makes them efficient feed converters.
Egg production is the primary purpose of Leghorns. Their high feed efficiency makes them economical to keep, though their flighty temperament requires secure fencing. Leghorns are not typically kept for meat due to their small size. They excel in free-range systems where their foraging instincts can be utilized.