Review on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Different Genetic Group of Chicken in Ethiopia

Abstract

This review paper was conducted with the aim of reviewing productive and reproductive performance of different chicken breeds in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, chicken production plays a role as a prime supplier of eggs and meat in rural and urban area and as a source of income. As indicated current review results, indigenous chicken breeds had low productive and reproductive performance than exotic breeds. The average age at first egg ranges 6-12 months for indigenous chicken. Their egg production potential ranges 30-60 eggs per year per hen with average egg weight of 38g under village management conditions; while under intensive system they produce 80-100 eggs per year per hen. Average hatchability of eggs was 80% for indigenous chickens. On the other hand, performance of exotic differs from indigenous chickens. Average age for first egg was 5 months for exotic chicken breeds under intensive management system in Ethiopia. Exotic breeds of chicken kept under intensive condition produce around 250 eggs /year/hen with average egg weight of 50-60g; while under village production system it may go down up to 150 with average weight of egg 44g. Average hatchability of eggs was around 70% for exotic chickens in Ethiopia. Generally, this review work recommended cross breeding should be used to combine these different performances of exotic and indigenous chickens so as to create crossbreed chickens having resistance to harsh environment of Ethiopia.