Performance of Sudanese native Dwarf and Bare Neck Chicken raised under improved traditional production system

Abstract

A total of 300 indigenous pullets of various ecotypes were used for phenotypic characterization of the native chicken of Sudan. This study aimed at evaluating production performance, egg characteristics and clutch traits of dwarf (Betwil) and Bare Neck ecotypes. Laying rate, average egg weight and egg components weights (albumen, yolk and shell) were significantly lower (P<0.05) in dwarf (Betwil) than in Bare Neck. However yolk : albumen ratio and relative yolk weight were higher in dwarf (Betwil) than in Bare Neck. There were high and positive correlations between egg weight and egg components weights (albumen, yolk and shell) in both ecotypes, whereas the correlation between egg weight and shell thickness was low. The average number of egg per clutch, average clutch length and the number of clutch per year for dwarf (Betwil) were 9.89 eggs, 14.44 days and 5 clutches whereas the corresponding results for Bare Neck were 13.52 eggs, 20.04 days and 4 clutches. Hatchability from fertile eggs using natural incubation for dwarf (Betwil) and Bare Neck were 65.6 and 59.09 percent respectively. The observed oviposition patterns in both ecotypes seemed to be irregular with pauses ranging from 1-3 days and most of the eggs were laid during the day period from 10 am to 2 pm.