1. In two consecutive experiments a total of 4,780 broilers were reared at high stocking densities. 2. In experiment 1, the birds were housed at 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50/m2 till 6 weeks. In experiment 2 densities of 20, 40 and 50/m2 were compared; the two higher densities were reduced to 30/m2 at either 3 or 5 weeks of age. 3. In the first experiment 6-week body weight was a curvilinear function of stocking density. Average food intake over the whole experimental period declined linearly with densities above 20/m2. 4. A slight but significant improvement in the efficiency of food utilisation was recorded from birds at high densities in the first experiment only. 5. Reducing the stocking density from 40 or 50/m2 to 30/m2 at 3 weeks increased food consumption and body weight gain and led to a recovery in their body weight by 6 weeks. 6. No significant differences were observed in mortality as a result of high stocking densities in either experiment. 7. Profit margin per m2 increased almost linearly in experiment 1, by about 65 p for every bird/m2 increase in stocking density. 8. The implications for poultry welfare are briefly discussed.

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SUMMARYThe paper deals with the indigenous chicken types of Ethiopia and attempts to characterize them according to some morphological attributes. In addition, their growth, reproductive ability and importance in the national economy are also discussed.

The paper addresses all feasible applications of long ahemeral light cycles in breeding flocks and reviews the limited published studies. Long cycles are likely to be most beneficial towards the end of the production cyclewhen eggshell quality is often poorand at the beginning of lay to increase the proportion of eggs exceeding the minimum weight for incubation. Published reports show an improvement in both fertility and hatchability of breeding flocks under long cycles.