Abstract
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.
Highlights
Indigenous chicken are widely distributed in the rural areas of tropical and sub-tropical countries (Ajayi 2010)
The present study revealed equal ranking of FUNAAB Alpha, Sasso, and Noiler, followed by Kuroiler, Shika Brown, and Fulani chickens across five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria
Traits of economic importance that appeared consistent in selecting breeding stock were body size, egg number, egg size, and meat taste
Summary
Indigenous chicken are widely distributed in the rural areas of tropical and sub-tropical countries (Ajayi 2010). It has been reported that the proper identification of appropriate chicken breeds that will be suitable to a particular environment or agro-ecological zone in Nigeria is required for the growth and development of the poultry industry (Hassan et al 2018) Such decision on the chicken genotypes of preference is expected to be based on farmers’ choice especially at the smallholder level using the bottom-top approach. Evaluation of trait preferences of local poultry producers is required for the design of appropriate breeding programs (Brown et al 2017) This may be indispensable under the free scavenging production system (Markos et al 2016), where the economic weights of traits could be difficult to calculate and permit the inclusion of non-market traits in the economic valuation of the chicken (Bett et al 2011). Similar findings were reported by Okeno et al (2011) where breeding programs designed without inputs from all the relevant stakeholders stood a high risk of being rejected by the end users
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
