Production Performance, Trait Preferences and Breeding Practices of Indigenous Chicken Ecotypes in Tsrae-Wenberta District, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was aimed at analyzing indigenous chicken production, trait preference and breeding practice in Tsrae-Wenberta district of Tigray region. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 180 farmers. The data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Ranking index. The results showed that production performance was dependent on the management of the households on the indigenous chickens. The current result on average mean number of eggs laid/hen/month in kihen,m/weyni,and mesanu were 12.19±0.81,14.03±0.64,and 14.81±0.50, respectively. The Age of maturity in /month of the Indegnious Chicken results shows that 6.98 ± 1.320, 7.20±1.526, and 8.66±1.138 in the kihen, m/weyniand mesanu respectively. Clutching Length/week 1.14±0.78,1.27±0.54, and 1.07±0.75 in kihen m/weyni and mesanu respectively. The result showed the purpose of indegnious chicken production was for meat, egg, manure, income and for incubation. The chicken producers in the study areas were practiced breeding to improve production and for continuity the generation of chicken production by Importing exotic the percentage of (6.7%), (19.7%), and(29%) in kihen ,m/weyni ,and mesanu respectively and by Improving ingenious the percentage of (93.3%), (78.3%), and (71% in kihen, m/weyni, and mesanu respectively and the percentage of Pure breed was(46.6),(42.6),( 61.3) in kihen, m/weyni , and mesanu respectively. Trait preference of chicken producers in the study areas were egg production, body size, adaptability, and, mothering ability. When it comes to feeding, watering, cleaning and health management, women had a higher decision-making responsibility. Feed and water access, credit service, training service, market access and extension service and were among the different opportunities for indigenous chicken productions in the area. Indigenous chicken production has been found to be affected by predator, lack of market, shortage of feed and water, lack of veterinary services and war. Finally, production of indigenous chicken has been found to help on improving the growth of children, profitability and income opportunities for a large number of farm households who are engaged in indigenous chicken production.