Current Status of Indigenous and Highly Productive Chicken Breeds in Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, chicken production plays an important role in providing human food consumption, growth of domestic products, and creating employment opportunities. Despite their importance, the production and reproduction performance of chickens in the country is under expectation owing to the gap between low productive indigenous and low adaptive ability of highly productive chicken breeds. By considering this, the present paper aims to deliver, synthesize, and summarize the compiled information on the current status of indigenous and highly productive chicken breeds. Currently, there are several highly productive chicken breeds available in Ethiopia. Among these, Rhode Island Red, Fayoumi, Potchefstroom Koekoek, Sasso, Bovan Brown, Issa Brown, and Leghorn are being kept under various husbandry systems. Besides, indigenous chicken ecotypes such as barley plumage color, red plumage color, white plumage color, and black plumage color have been characterized in the country. However, the average annual egg production of indigenous and highly productive chicken breeds did not exceed 60 and 250 eggs, respectively. On the other hand, the meat production ability of indigenous chickens is limited as cockerels and pullets may reach 1.5 and 1.05 kilogram live weight at 6 months of age, respectively. Concerning the husbandry system, a majority of owners supplied feed to chickens on the ground and water in plastic containers while scavenging is being the common feeding system in most parts of the country. Furthermore, the majority of the owners are using no separate housing system and treat their chickens traditionally. Thus, awareness should be emphasized on enhancing the improvement of chicken husbandry systems for better production and reproduction performance.

A study on egg quality and hatching traits of indigenous and exotic chickens reared in Silte zone, Southern Ethiopia

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Growth performance, survivability and profitability of improved smallholder chicken genetics in Nigeria: A COVID-19 intervention study

“…The feeds of birds under semi-intensive system of production are normally supplemented by the farmers ( Tolasa, 2021 ). However, household food status and consumption patterns are some of the factors influencing the scavenging feed resource base available to chickens ( Gondwe and Wollny, 2007 ).…”

“…Nutrition is a veritable component for the development of smallholder poultry, as it interacts with the genetics of the birds (Bamidele et al, 2020;Birhanu et al, 2022). The feeds of birds under semi-intensive system of production are normally supplemented by the farmers (Tolasa, 2021). However, household food status and consumption patterns are some of the factors influencing the scavenging feed resource base available to chickens (Gondwe and Wollny, 2007).…”

Common Somali Indigenous Chicken Breeds, in Mogadishu, Somalia

“…In Ethiopia, several highyielding chicken breeds from exotic breeds are currently available. Rhode Island Red, Fayoumi, Potchefstroom Koekoek, Sasso, Bovan Brown, Issa Brown, and LeghornThe Rhodeamong the breeds that are kept in varied husbandry styles (Tolasa, 2021).…”