Abstract
There is paucity of data on local fowls’ production in Southern Nigeria. The population and identity of the farmers involved in raising the fowl is lacking. Studies were carried out in the areas that covered Anambra, Oyo and Imo States to ascertain the population, production and improvement of the local fowl. In six hundred households in Anambra State the population of local birds was 4,971. These consisted of 911 (Chicks), 1073 (Growers), 1278 (Cocks) and 1709 (Hens), respectively. Imo State in 6 local government areas (LGAs), 300 households had 2032 local birds comprising 394 (Cocks), 614 (Hens), 478 (Growers) and 546 (Chicks) while in Oyo North LGA feeding trials were conducted to determine nutrient requirements of the fowl. Shank lengths and egg quality showed variations (P<0.05) in different localities. A standard energy and protein levels of 2,700 kcalME/kg of feed and 22% crude protein (CP) at chick phase and 3,000 kcalME/kg of feed and 17% CP at grower phase, respectively, were established for the fowl. Also feed additives such as antibiotics, prebiotics and probiotics used as growths promoters were assessed. Antibiotics did not show any positive pattern of growth promotion while the prebiotics and probiotics enhanced performance of local fowl. Plantain peels meal fed at early phase of life moderately enhanced performance of the fowl. To bridge the animal protein deficit in the nutrition of rural populace, local fowl can be used but after improvement of the fowl to commercial birds. Key words: Local fowl, South Nigeria ecotype, population, production and performance.
Highlights
The system of managing the local fowl in Nigeria is still the traditional house holder reared mostly by women in a range system where the flocks are allowed to roam in order to feed
Some local birds seen in villages may have been crossed with exotic cocks in earlier years through the cockerel exchange programme among others, but such genes may have been dispersed and lost in the population because of unplanned breeding and absence of selection
The local fowl has suffered neglect until now and may likely be extinct in future since there is no plan in place to sustain their production in Nigeria
Summary
The system of managing the local fowl in Nigeria is still the traditional house holder reared mostly by women in a range system where the flocks are allowed to roam in order to feed. The flocks were kept by householders who did not keep record of management and production (Table 6). The egg quality was low indicating low management practice no feed and house were provided to the flock in most homes where the birds were raised (Tables 18 to 20).
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