Performance evaluation and sustainability challenges of tropically adopted exotic chicken breeds in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aimed to describe performance and challenges of village-based exotic chicken production in Northwest Ethiopia. Three zones, 13 districts, and 300 households were selected. The data were collected via semi-structured questionnaires, field observations, and key informant interviews. In the study area, the average exotic chicken holding per household was 4.27 ± 0.13 birds. The most dominant flocks were hens followed by pullets with high significant difference (P < 0.01) in the midland agro ecology. The annual number of egg production of Sasso, Bovans brown, and Koekoek was 110.99 ± 1.45, 123.29 ± 1.16, and 102.92 ± 1.22, respectively. The average age of pullets at first egg laying was 5.25 ± 0.03 (Sasso), 5.53 ± 0.02 (Bovans brown), and 5.71 ± 0.03 (Koekoek) months. The age of cockerels (mean ± SE) at first mating was 4.18 ± 0.06 (Sasso), 4.89 ± 0.06 (Bovans brown), and 5.15 ± 0.06 (Koekoek) months. Male age (mean ± SE) at slaughter of Sasso, Bovans brown, and Koekoek were 4.24 ± 0.06, 6.28 ± 0.05, and 5.68 ± 0.06 months, respectively. The lack of improved breed supply was the first production challenge followed by feed shortages and disease outbreaks. Therefore, designing exotic chicken market supply, practicing ration formulation with locally available feed resources, controlling disease, and predator with biosecurity measures and other proper management strategies in respective of agro ecologies could be mandatory.