Study on the status, adoption, and economic role of disseminated improved chickens and their production constraints

Abstract

A study targeted the study of the status, economic contribution, adoption, and production constraint of disseminated exotic chickens was conducted in the Malle district and Jinka town. A purposive sampling method was used to select kebeles and households. A total of 120 households were used (2*2*30) to collect information focusing on improved chicken distribution, aim, improved breed sources, performances of the breeds, production practices, health and medication, extension services, and constraints. In addition to questionnaire data, house-to-house observation and inspection were undertaken. Chicken production provided additional income sources to household women to prepare cultural food (Cheka) and drink (Shoforro) in addition to providing animal protein. The extension sector of livestock played a significant role in the dissemination of improved chicken breeds, but there were no chicken keepers that used the full poultry package. The distribution of the improved breed was in a fast-increasing manner without the poultry full package. The breeds such as Rhode Island Red, SASSO, Koekoek, and Bovan Brown were disseminated breeds and the SASSO breed was highly distributed breed in the areas, but currently, there was no distribution of RIR. Compared to the fast chicken distribution and demand for chicken meat and egg, the productivity of the improved chicken breed was not satisfactory due to the weak management, absence of a full poultry package, feed shortage, absence of vaccine, chicken disease, absence of options for improved breeds and predators. Therefore, changing the management interventions that are used for local ecotypes and securing the locally available feed and medication options should be recommended to get satisfactory products from the improved chicken production. 42 www.cornous.com