MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, EGG PRODUCTION AND LINEAR BODY MEASURMENT TRAITS OF LOCAL AND EXOTIC CHICKENS REARED UNDER TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN BORICHA WOREDA, SIDAMA ZONE

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the management practice, egg production potential, quality and linear body measurement traits of three exotic and local chickens reared under traditional production system in Boricha woreda of Sidama zone. For the survey part, a total of 200 households were randomly selected from 4 purposively selected Kebles which were subdivided in midland and lowland agroecologies. Linear body measurement and egg quality traits were assessed from a total of 192 local and 3 exotic chicken breeds (Bovans, Koekoeck and Sasso) drawn from 48 households. About 480 eggs were used for the evaluation of external and internal egg qualities. The results indicated that the average numbers of eggs set for incubation per hen were 11.1 eggs with a hatchability of 60.0%. Average age at first egg was 238, 155, 157 and 174 days for local, Sasso, Bovans and Koekoeck chicken breeds, respectively. The number of eggs per hen per year was 49.1, 134, 117and 138 for local, Sasso, Bovans and Koekoeck, respectively. The Sasso breed reared in the lowland produced the highest egg number followed by Bovans being (p<0.05) different from Koekeock and local chickens. Moreover, the Sasso chicken breeds reared in the lowland agroecology had higher (p<0.05) values in most linear body measurement traits than those of other chicken breeds. Similarly, egg weight and yolk index values of Sasso breeds reared in the lowland was higher (p<0.05) than those of other chicken breeds. Koekoeck and Sasso chicken breeds reared in midland had higher (p<0.05) shape index and shell thickness values than those reared in the lowland. All chicken breeds reared in the lowland agroecology were better (p<0.05) in all external egg quality parameters than those reared in the midland. Yolk colour was higher (p<0.05) only for chickens reared in the lowland agroecology. All internal egg quality traits of Koekoeck chickens reared in the midland were superior to those of lowland agroecology. In conclusion, the Sasso chicken breed was found to be more efficient in most performance traits if it is reared in the lowland agroecology. Koekoeck chicken breed reared in the midland agroecology was superior in most internal egg quality parameters. It is thus recommended to use Sasso chicken breeds in the lowland agroecology while Koekoeck chicken in the midland agroecology for better productivity.