On-farm performance evaluation of tropically adapted chicken strains under semi-scavenging production system in western Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the growth and egg production performance of three tropically adapted chicken strains in three districts of the Amhara region. Kuroiler, Sasso, and Sasso-R were among the tested strains under on-farm conditions for 45 weeks. The study used a factorial design with 216 households, 72 from the midland (Achefer) and 144 from the highlands (Babija and Fagita-Lekoma). The effects of strain, location, and strain*location interaction were considered to evaluate the dependent variables. Both male and female chickens' body weight and daily weight
gain, as well as egg production, egg weight, and body weight at first egg-lay, are affected by the strain*location interaction. At week 16, male and female Sasso chickens in Achefer had the highest body weight, but Kuroiler had a comparable higher body weight to Sasso at week 20. In the highlands, Sasso was as efficient as contemporary strains but found more efficient in the midland. Kuroiler at Achefer had better daily gain than the other strain*location interactions. Sasso (111.9 ± 3.9) and Kuroiler (112.2 ± 3.5) in Achefer, and Kuroiler (115.2 ± 4.7) in Banija, produced higher eggs up to 45 weeks. All strains in all locations reached the age at first egg-laying between week 25.33 to 26.75. Kuroiler and Sasso, on the other hand, had a higher body weight at the time of their first egg-laying in Achefer. Kurolier had significantly higher survivability (between 71.8 and 76.3%) than the other strains in all locations (up to 44 weeks). Kuroiler in the highlands, and Sasso and Sasso-R in the midlands, produced 187, 180, and 150% more eggs than the local chickens, respectively. Kuroiler and Sasso, thus, recommended to be produced in the study areas and similar environments. Further studies into the different traits of these strains, and their crosses with local chickens, should be conducted under various management systems.