Reference type

Journal Article
 

Record Number

66

Author

Tadelle, D.; Alemu, Y.; Peters, K.J.

Year

2000

Title

Indigenous chickens in Ethiopia: genetic potential and attempts at improvement

Journal

World's Poultry Science Journal

Volume

56

Pages

45-54

Label

Journal

Keywords

Ethiopia, Genetics

Notes

The authors consider the 56 million indigenous chickens that are present in Ethiopia and that produce more than 98% of the national yield of poultry meat and eggs. Ethiopian consumption of poultry products is amongst the lowest in the world, indicating the low productivity of the indigenous flock. Expanding importation of exotic poultry has prompted a comparative review of indigenous and exotic birds.
As in other developing countries, poultry rearing is an industry appropriate for village women and for landless and marginalized farmers. Past attempts at genetic improvement, by introduction of exotic breeds or by cross-breeding have frequently been unsuccessful. The authors believe that high egg productivity is correlated with reduced brooding ability and reduced ability to evade predation. After development projects over 40 years, exotic birds produce less than 2% of the eggs and chicken meat consumed in Ethiopia. The exotic birds are described as food converters and not food producers.

Various ecotypes of indigenous chicken have been identified. All are poor producers of eggs when compared with White Leghorns although their fertility was superior. Local chickens also produced less meat than exotic chickens. In confined flocks, local chickens also suffered a higher level of mortality than White Leghorns. In one study cross-bred hens had lost their ability to become broody or to maintain broodiness.

The authors conclude that there is sufficient genetic variation within and between local breeds to be exploited in future breeding programs. Experiments will need to be undertaken in various ecological and climatic areas.