Variation in village chicken production systems among agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe

The degree to which village chickens are integrated in the smallholder farming systems differs depending on the socio-economic, cultural and biological factors within each system. The objective of this study was to characterise the village chicken farming systems and identify possible threats to, and opportunities for, local chickens in the agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to households randomly selected from five districts, Risitu (n = 97), Hurungwe (n = 56), Gutu (n = 77), Gokwe-South (n = 104) and Beitbridge (n = 37) in eco-zones I–V, respectively. Age of head of household averaged 47 years (SD = 14.3). Land holdings per household averaged 4.82 ha (SD = 3.6). Overall, 17.7 percent of the households ranked livestock as the major source of income compared to 70.8 percent who ranked crops as the main contributor. Chicken flock size averaged 16.7 (SD = 12.4), and the highest flock sizes were observed in eco-zones I and IV. Households owning cattle, goats and other livestock assigned less important ranks to chickens. Chickens were used mainly for the provision of meat and eggs whilst the use of chicken feathers and investment were uncommon practises. Results indicate that more support is necessary for village chickens in the non-cropping regions of the country.     

Analysis of production objectives and breeding practices of dairy goats in Kenya

Production objectives and breeding practices of smallholder households participating in dairy goat breeding projects were analysed in relation to their ability to bring about sustainable genetic improvement in the dairy goat flocks in Kenya. A stratified survey involving 311 goat keepers in 4 project sites was used. This employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods to get a holistic view of dairy goats, and take into account the full array of contributions of dairy goats to the smallholder households. Milk production and sales of breeding stock were high priority functions for the objective to create a financial buffer. The breeding objective traits that farmers perceived as being of primary importance were milk yield, growth rate, body size, fertility and disease tolerance. There were logical trade-offs in the choice of these traits by farmers. Female dairy goats were mainly culled due to old age, poor fertility, small body size and poor health. Farmers did not place a large significance on unsatisfactory milk performance when culling female goats, mainly due to the very small production size and the high demand existing for breeding animals. Factors affecting milk yield and flock size presented satisfied a P < 0.1 significance level. The performance levels of dairy goats were mainly influenced by breeding strategies and the resource availability at the farm level. The optimisation of genotype x environment interactions remains the biggest challenge given the objectives set by the farmer.     

Production objectives and trait preferences of village poultry producers of Ethiopia: implications for designing breeding schemes utilizing indigenous chicken genetic resources

To generate information essential for the implementation of breeding schemes suitable for village poultry producers in Ethiopia, a survey was conducted aimed at defining the socioeconomic characteristics of the production environments in different geographic regions, understanding the important functions of chickens, identifying farmers’ choice of chicken breeds and the underlying factors that determine the choice of genetic stock used. The survey included both questionnaire survey and a participatory group discussion. A total of 225 households (45 households from each of five Woredas) were interviewed. The questionnaire was designed to collect data covering general information on village poultry production such as socio-management characteristics, production objectives, population structure, breed choice and trait preferences, market preferences of specific traits, and farmers’ selection practices. The participatory farmers’ discussions were designed to involve stakeholders in defining the breeding objective “traits” and deriving their relative importance in the production environment based on the different functions of chickens and “traits” identified in the interviews. The results showed that production of eggs for consumption is the principal function of chickens in most regions followed by the use as source of income and meat for home consumption. The production system in all geographic regions studied revealed similar features generally characterized by extensive scavenging management, absence of immunization programs, increased risk of exposure of birds to disease and predators, and reproduction entirely based on uncontrolled natural mating and hatching of eggs using broody hens. Farmers’ ratings of indigenous chickens with respect to modern breeds showed the highest significance of the adaptive traits in general, and the superior merits of indigenous chickens to high yielding exotic breeds in particular. Adaptation to the production environment was the most important attribute of chickens in all the study areas. The high significance attributed to reproduction traits indicates the need for maintaining broody behavior and high level of hatchability while breeding for improved productivity of indigenous chickens for village conditions. The market price of chickens is primarily dictated by weight, but farmers rated growth (males) and number of eggs followed by growth (females) as the production traits they would like the most to be improved. Therefore, the ultimate breeding goal should be to develop a dual-purpose breed based on indigenous chicken genetic resources with any of the comb types other than single for all the regions studied having the most preferred white body plumage for farmers in the Amhara region and red body plumage for those in Oromia, Benshangul-Gumuz, and Southern regions.     

Characterization of indigenous chicken production systems in Kenya

Indigenous chicken (IC) and their production systems were characterized to understand how the whole system operates for purposes of identifying threats and opportunities for holistic improvement. A survey involving 594 households was conducted in six counties with the highest population of IC in Kenya using structured questionnaires. Data on IC farmers’ management practices were collected and analysed and inbreeding levels calculated based on the effective population size. Indigenous chicken were ranked highest as a source of livestock income by households in medium- to high-potential agricultural areas, but trailed goats in arid and semi-arid areas. The production system practised was mainly low-input and small-scale free range, with mean flock size of 22.40 chickens per household. The mean effective population size was 16.02, translating to high levels of inbreeding (3.12%). Provision for food and cash income were the main reasons for raising IC, whilst high mortality due to diseases, poor nutrition, housing and marketing channels were the major constraints faced by farmers. Management strategies targeting improved healthcare, nutrition and housing require urgent mitigation measures, whilst rural access road network needs to be developed for ease of market accessibility. Sustainable genetic improvement programmes that account for farmers’ multiple objectives, market requirements and the production circumstances should be developed for a full realization of IC productivity.     

Uses and flock management practices of scavenging chickens in Wolaita Zone of southern Ethiopia

Rearing of scavenging chickens is among the most commonly practiced farm activities in Ethiopia. This system is dominated by indigenous chickens. Output from indigenous chickens is low due to poor management and absence of intense selection that is intended to improve economically important traits. This showed that village chickens are rather evolved for adaptation traits. However, the level of risk is low, and this has made rearing of scavenging chickens a choice of farm activity for smallholder farmers. The objective of this study was to characterize the scavenging chickens’ production system in Wolaita Zone. Single-visit survey involving individual interview of 119 farmers and 6 focus group discussions was used to collect the data. Our results showed that rearing of scavenging chickens was constrained especially by disease and predation problems. However, farmers proposed a set of solutions to minimize the effect of these problems. Rearing of scavenging chickens fulfils the multi-functional need of the society. This system has special features because it can sustain in its own without the need for modern commercial chicken farming facilities. However, farmers also reported the drawbacks of rearing of scavenging chickens and these mainly include uproot of garden crops and tiresomeness of the night watching. Selection of chickens was mainly depending on physically observed traits like body size and plumage colour. The initial foundation flock was mainly obtained from the local market. The ideal place for scavenging chickens production is the one that has intermediate weather condition and has some trees that can be used as shade; however, it was substantiated that it has to be free from bush and shrubs, weeds and wet lands. Therefore, these pieces of knowledge embedded among smallholder farmers need to be well documented and synthesized to design an appropriate type of technology packages that can be communicated back to farmers to improve productivity of the scavenging chickens.     

Characterization of local chicken production systems and their potential under different levels of management practice in Jordan

This study aimed to characterize the local chickens and their production systems and to investigate the opportunities for improvement. The study was carried out in 18 villages in northern Jordan with the participation of 120 households. Data were collected by individual interviews and surveys supported with structured questionnaires. A scoring system was developed to study the effect of different levels of management on chicken performance. The main reasons for keep local chickens were egg production and generation of income. The main features of the production systems were improper housing and inadequate hygiene. Newcastle disease, predators, and parasites were the main causes of flock losses. Purchasing rate was controlled by the chickens’ phenotype, sex and age, and by season of year. The average flock size was 41.6 (±32.9) chickens per household, with a hen:cock ratio of 6.4:1. The average effective population size was 15.35, which indicated a high rate of inbreeding (5.52%). The main selection criterion adopted by farmers was egg production. There were positive significant correlations (p < 0.001) between management level and chickens’ performance. Hatchability, survivability, flock size, number of clutches, egg weight and egg mass were the major parameters that improved significantly with improvement in management level. Local chickens fulfil significant functions in the livelihood of rural smallholders; however, many constraints affected the efficiency of the production systems. Solutions should start with improving the management practices and establishing an effective breeding system.     

城口山地鸡两个品系主要性状选育效果分析

试验采用家系选择与个体选择法,对组建的城口山地鸡基础群分别进行生长性能和产蛋性能的选择,并结合体型外貌羽色和胫色的选择,建立城口山地鸡CR1和CK1两个品系。结果显示:经过5个世代的选育,CR1系L5世代17周龄和43周龄公、母鸡体重较L1世代分别提高了166.5 g、193.3 g、182.4 g和127.3 g,且体重性状差异均显著(P<0.05);而CK1系L5世代各阶段体重较L1世代均有所提高(P>0.05)。CR1系和CK1系L5世代开产日龄较L1世代分别提前了13.5 d(P<0.05)和13.1 d(P<0.05),L5世代43周龄产蛋量较L1世代分别提高了3.9个(P<0.05)和9.8个(P<0.01)。同时,两个品系L5世代黑羽率、青胫率、受精率和受精蛋孵化率较L1世代均有不同程度的提高。研究表明:城口山地鸡两个品系主要性状选育效果突出,生长性能和产蛋性能明显改善提高,该品系的培育可为地方鸡品种内的品系培育提供参考。     

Farmers’ breeding practices and traits of economic importance for indigenous chicken in RWANDA

Data on breeding practices and traits of economic importance for the indigenous chicken (IC) were collected through personal interviews using structured questionnaires and direct observations of chicken management practices. The study was conducted from November 2015 to January 2016 in Rwamagana, Rulindo, Ruhango, Kicukiro and Muhanga districts of Rwanda. Data were collected and analysed through computation of indices, which represented a weighted average of all rankings of a specific trait. Spearman’s non-parametric rank correlation was calculated for ranking of traits of economic importance to indicate the directional effects. The results on chicken ecotypes and their attributes showed that prolificacy, mature weight, disease tolerance, egg number and heat tolerance were highly preferred. The dwarf ecotype was most abundantly reared (38.84%) and considered to be significantly smaller and to have poorer growth rate, but to have better prolificacy than other indigenous chicken ecotypes. Selection of breeding cock and hen was based on disease tolerance, body weight at sexual maturity, body size and growth rate. In addition, for hen, mothering ability and egg fertility (Fer) were considered. Indices for the traits perceived by farmers as of primary economic importance were egg yield (0.093), disease tolerance (0.091), high growth rate (0.089), prolificacy (0.088), high body weight (0.087) and egg fertility (0.083). The most important traits considered by the marketers were body weight (BW), disease tolerance (Dtol), plumage colour (Pcol), egg yolk colour (EYC), meat quality (MQ), growth rate (GR) and egg yield (EY) whereas for consumers, meat quality, egg yolk colour, egg yield, body weight and growth rate were considered. Among traits perceived as important by farmers, a positive and significant correlation was found between BW and GR and Fer. Correlation was moderate for BW and prolificacy, drought tolerance (Drtol), Dtol and EYC. BW was negatively correlated with temperament (Temp), heat tolerance, Pcol and egg shell colour (ESC). Regarding marketers and consumers’ preference rank correlation, positive and significant correlation was between BW and GR and MQ. As such, appropriate ecotypes (indigenous chicken) which have these characteristics need to be identified and utilised more based on their performance and adaption to the environment conditions to ensure efficient IC production.     

Farmers’ choice of genotypes and trait preferences in tropically adapted chickens in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

This study aimed at determining chicken genotypes of choice and traits preference in chicken by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Data were obtained from a total of 2063 farmers using structured questionnaires in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Chi square (χ²) statistics was used to explore relationships between categorical variables. The mean ranks of the six genotypes and twelve traits of preference were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H (with Mann–Whitney U test for post hoc separation of mean ranks), Friedman, and Wilcoxon signed-rank (with Bonferroni’s adjustments) tests. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) was used to assign farmers into groups. Gender distribution of farmers was found to be statistically significant (χ²?=?16.599; P?≤?0.002) across the zones. With the exception of Shika Brown, preferences for chicken genotypes were significantly (P?≤?0.01) influenced by agro-ecological zone. However, gender differentiated response was only significant (P?≤?0.01) in Sasso chicken with more preference by male farmers. Overall, FUNAAB Alpha, Sasso, and Noiler chicken were ranked 1st, followed by Kuroiler (4th), Shika Brown (5th), and Fulani birds (6th), respectively. Within genotypes, within and across zones and gender, preferences for traits varied significantly (P?≤?0.005 and P?≤?0.01). Traits of preference for selection of chicken breeding stock tended towards body size, egg number, egg size, and meat taste. Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficients of traits of preference were significant (P?≤?0.01) and ranged from 0.22 to 0.90. The two PCs extracted, which explained 65.3% of the variability in the dataset, were able to assign the farmers into two groups based on preference for body size of cock and hen and the other ten traits combined. The present findings may guide the choice of appropriate chicken genotypes while the traits of economic importance may be incorporated into future genetic improvement and conservation programs in Nigeria.

     

Application of risk-rated profit model functions in estimation of economic values for indigenous chicken breeding

The economic values for productive (egg number, average daily gain, live weight, and mature weight) and functional (fertility, hatchability, broodiness, survival rate, feed intake, and egg weight) traits were derived for three production systems utilizing indigenous chicken in Kenya. The production systems considered were free-range, semi-intensive, and intensive system and were evaluated based on fixed flock size and fixed feed resource production circumstances. A bio-economic model that combined potential performances, feeding strategies, optimum culling strategies, farmer's preferences and accounted for imperfect knowledge concerning risk attitude of farmers and economic dynamics was employed to derive risk-rated economic values. The economic values for all the traits were highest in free-range system under the two production circumstances and decreased with level of intensification. The economic values for egg number, average daily gain, live weight, fertility, hatchability, and survival rate were positive while those for mature weight, broodiness, egg weight, and feed intake were negative. Generally, the economic values estimated under fixed feed resource production circumstances were higher than those derived under fixed flock size. The difference between economic values estimated using simple (traditional) and risk-rated profit model functions ranged from -47.26% to +67.11% indicating that inclusion of risks in estimation of economic values is important. The results of this study suggest that improvement targeting egg number, average daily gain, live weight, fertility, hatchability, and survival rate would have a positive impact on profitability of indigenous chicken production in Kenya.     

威宁鸡体尺与屠宰性状间的相关性研究

试验旨在揭示威宁鸡体尺和屠宰性状的性别差异情况及体尺与屠宰指标间的相关性,参照中国家禽体尺和屠宰性状测定标准对65只(♀:33;♂:32)180日龄公、母威宁鸡的体尺和屠宰性状进行测定和分析。结果发现,威宁鸡体斜长在公、母鸡之间呈现显著差异,公鸡显著高于母鸡(P< 0.05);冠高和胫长公鸡极显著高于母鸡(P< 0.01),体尺和屠宰性状均呈性别差异,较国内其他地方鸡种,威宁鸡表现出了优异的体形外貌特征,体质健壮,肉用性能好,抗逆性强,其中,公鸡较母鸡表现为体形结构大,肉用性能更佳;另外,威宁鸡各体尺性状、多数屠宰性状及多数体尺与屠宰性状间均呈正相关关系,且多数指标间达到了显著或极显著水平(P< 0.05;P< 0.01),这对今后威宁鸡的选育尤其是早期选育具有重要参考意义。     

The Correlative Analysis between Body Size and Slaughter Traits in Wei-ning Chickens

It aimed to investigate the sex differences and correlation of body size and slaughter traits in Wei-ning chicken,the research measured the body size and slaughter traits of 65 Wei-ning chicken(♀:33;♂:32 ) at the age of 180 days according to the nation livestock body size and slaughter measurement standards,and analysis on the correlative between body size and slaughter traits.The results showed that the lean body length was significant difference in the different sex chicken groups (P< 0.05 ),and the cocks were higher than hens,the comb hight and keel bone length of cocks were extremely significant higher than hens (P< 0.01 ).All of the body size and slaughter trait showed difference between cocks and hens,moreover,the Wei-ning chicken also showed excellent appearance,hold the strong body constitution character,good meat performance and adaptability for other native chickens,the body constitution and meat performance of cocks were better than hens.Besides,the different body size,most of slaughter traits and between body size and slaughter traits were positively correlaton,and most of indexes showed the significant or extremely significant correlation levels (P< 0.05;P< 0.01),these data would be crucial insight for the breeding,especial early breeding of Wei-ning chicken.     

农村养鸡防疫存在问题及对策

科学疫病防控是现代化家禽养殖产业发展中一项重要和不可或缺的工作,是实现鸡养殖产业健康可持续发展的关键所在。由于农村地区的很多养殖户科学疫病防控重视程度不高,在养殖管理过程中并没有构建完善的疫病防控措施,养殖管理方案不当,鸡群处于亚健康状态,身体抵抗能力较差,一旦某些传染性疾病在养殖场中爆发流行,很容易造成严重危害,使大量鸡死亡,给养殖场带来不可挽回的经济损失。该文分析农村养鸡防疫存在的问题,论述具体的解决措施。     

城市家庭网购芦丁鸡的要点及饲养管理技术

近年来,芦丁鸡因体型纤小、羽色艳丽、产蛋量高等优点迅速成为“网红”宠物,受到多数许多城市家庭的追捧。但因芦丁鸡养殖普及率不高,多数养殖者在选购、饲养等方面毫无经验。本文简要介绍了芦丁鸡网购的要点及饲养管理技术,希望能为养殖芦丁鸡的新手提供借鉴。     

The multiple burdens of zoonotic disease and an ecohealth approach to their assessment

Individual interviews were conducted in 137 households using semi-structured questionnaires to determine the influence of socioeconomic factors on production constraints faced by indigenous chicken producers in the rural areas of South Africa. The major constraints to village chicken production were mortality (95 % of the households) followed by feed shortage (85 %) and low chicken sales (72 %). The logistic regression model showed that households that owned imported/crossbred chickens practiced extensive production system without housing structures and did not have vaccines were more likely to experience high levels of chicken mortality. Poor and youth-headed households with no supplements and vaccines had high probability of Newcastle disease. The probability of a household to experience chicken feed shortage was lower in households that owned indigenous chickens than those that owned imported/crossbred chickens (odds ratio, 11.68; 95 % confidence interval, 1.19–27.44). Youth-headed households that had small flocks and no access to veterinary services were not likely to sell chickens. It was concluded that gender, age, wealth status, production system, chicken flock size, type of chicken breed owned, accessibility of veterinary services, availability of supplements, vaccines and shelter influence village chicken farmer’s production constraints such as feed availability, chicken mortality, prevalence of diseases and chicken sales.     

麒麟鸡（卷羽鸡）体尺性状与屠宰性能的测定及相关性分析

为了研究抗热应激品种麒麟鸡（卷羽鸡）的肉用开发价值,试验对12周龄麒麟鸡体尺性状和屠宰性能进行测定及相关性分析,并构建简单回归方程。结果表明,12周龄麒麟公鸡龙骨长和胫长显著高于母鸡（P<0.05）;12周龄麒麟公鸡活重、屠体重、半净膛重、全净膛重和腿肌重显著高于母鸡（P<0.05）,腹脂重和皮脂厚显著低于母鸡（P<0.05）,其余指标公、母差异不显著（P＞0.05）;麒麟鸡屠宰性能与体尺性状绝大多数存在显著或极显著相关性,并建立了主要屠宰性状的回归模型,为通过麒麟鸡活体的体尺测量结果预测屠宰性能指标提供一定理论依据,同时加速了麒麟鸡的遗传育种进程。     

Polymorphism in PLIN Gene Intron 6 and its Association with Carcass and Fatness Traits in Chicken

The genetic polymorphisms in PLIN gene were detected by PCR-RFLP method in four Chinese local chickens including Jining Bairi chicken,Laiwu Black chicken et al.,and one breeding strain.The correlations between the SNP and the carcass and fatness traits were analyzed.As a result,a novel G→A mutation at 2 467 bp in PLIN gene was identified in the five populations.Three genotypes (A1A1,A1A2 and A2A2) were detected,and allele A1 was predominant in all the five experimental populations.The statistical analysis showed that the 2 467 bp polymorphism locus was significant association with some carcass and fatness traits (P<0.05).The living body weight,carcass weight,eviscerated weight,abdominal fat weight and percentage of abdominal fat of A1A1 genotype was higher than A2A2 genotype in chickens (P<0.05).The breast intramuscular fat of A1A2 genotype was higher than that of A1A1 and A2A2 genotypes in chickens (P<0.05).The results showed that PLIN gene had effect on carcass and fatness traits in chickens.     

鸡脂滴包被蛋白基因内含子6多态性与胴体及脂肪性状的相关性研究

试验采用PCR-RFLP方法检测脂滴包被蛋白(perilipin,PLIN)基因内含子6在济宁百日鸡、莱芜黑鸡等4个地方鸡种和1个培育品系中的遗传多态性,分析了多态位点不同基因型与鸡胴体及脂肪性状的相关性。结果发现,在5个供试群体中检测到1个多态位点,测序证实为新发现的鸡PLIN基因2 467 bp处G→A突变,该突变位点在供试群体中检测到3种基因型:A1A1、A1A2和A2A2,2个等位基因:A1和A2。等位基因A1在所有供试群体中均表现为优势等位基因。关联分析结果表明,PLIN基因2 467 bp位点对鸡部分胴体性状和脂肪性状影响显著(P<0.05)。多重比较结果表明,A1A1基因型个体活体重、屠体重、全净膛重、腹脂重和腹脂率均显著高于A2A2基因型个体(P<0.05)。A1A2基因型个体的胸肌肌内脂肪含量显著高于A1A1和A2A2基因型个体(P<0.05)。研究结果表明,PLIN基因对鸡胴体及脂肪性状有一定影响。