Evaluation of Three Management Systems on Growth Performance of Kuchi Indigenous Chicken Ecotype of Kenya

Ben Chesoo; George W. Oduho; David K. Kios; H. A. Rachuonyo

doi:10.2022/ajest.v1i4.243

Ben Chesoo Animal Science Department, University of Eldoret chesooben@yahoo.com
George W. Oduho Animal Science Department, University of Eldoret
David K. Kios Animal Science Department, University of Eldoret
H. A. Rachuonyo Animal Science Department, University of Eldoret

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2022/ajest.v1i4.243

Keywords: Indigenous Chicken, Kuchi, Ecotype, Supplementation, Management System

Abstract

Kenya has a rich diversity of indigenous chicken(IC) comprising of several ecotypes with varied characteristics in terms of egg and meat production. Kuchi ecotype is an example found mainly in Lamu County. It is known for its high mature body weight. However, interventions meant to improve on its productivity have not been adequately studied. A study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of Kuchi growers under three management systems: Extensive system (ES), Extensive system with Supplementation (ESS) and Intensive system (IS). Experimental growers were derived from randomly collected pure Kuchi eggs which were bought, hatched artificially and managed intensively using commercial chick and growers mash from day old to eight weeks. From week 9 to 11, eighteen growers, had their initial body weights taken, then randomly allocated to the three management systems for a period of three weeks. Each system was allocated with six growers disregarding sex. At the end of the study period, their mean weight gains were: 57.83g, 53.28g, and 40.22g, for ES, ESS and IS respectively. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied using SAS (2011) soft ware tool. Results showed that all the three systems (ES, ESS & IS) of management were not significantly (P>0.05) different on the growth of Kuchi growers during the study period. It is concluded that Kuchi IC ecotype can equally grow with or without confined management practice. An ESS management is therefore recommended for Kuchi IC ecotype.

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