Which chicken breed is widely used for commercial egg production?

The Leghorn is the chicken breed most widely used for commercial egg production globally. Specifically, the single-comb White Leghorn is the most popular variety, favored by the industry for being a prolific layer that reaches sexual maturity quickly.12

While many breeds exist, commercial facilities prioritize a select few that meet the rigorous demands of industrial poultry farming. Through animal breeding techniques—including inbreeding and crossbreeding—producers have significantly increased efficiency, with modern hens now capable of producing over 300 eggs annually. In contrast, small farms and backyard flocks often utilize dual-purpose breeds, such as the Rhode Island Red, which are valued for both meat and egg production.32