The IRTA has a programme for the conservation of two Catalan hen breeds which were previously recovered and redefined:

The 'Penedesenca' (varieties: black, partridge-like, wheat coloured and crossed). Their egg shells are deep red brown coloured.

The 'Empordanesa' (varieties: white, red, blond and whitish). Their egg shells are deep red brown coloured.

Likewise, there is another hen breed which, though not linked to the recovering process, has been included in the above programme:

The 'Prat' (dun variety). Their egg shells are pinky cream coloured.

A programme devoted to the genetic improvement of the following hen breeds has been implemented:

• The 'Penedesenca negra' (black feathering, black feet and white skin).
• The 'Prat leonada' (dun blond feathering, grey feet and white skin).
• The 'Empordanesa roja' (deep blond feathering, yellow feet and yellow skin).