Chickens In Ethiopia Research Articles

Altitude-dependent agro-ecologies impact the microbiome diversity of scavenging indigenous chicken in Ethiopia

BackgroundScavenging indigenous village chickens play a vital role in sub-Saharan Africa, sustaining the livelihood of millions of farmers. These chickens are exposed to vastly different environments and feeds compared to commercial chickens. In this study, we analysed the caecal microbiota of 243 Ethiopian village chickens living in different altitude-dependent agro-ecologies.ResultsDifferences in bacterial diversity were significantly correlated with differences in specific climate factors, topsoil characteristics, and supplemental diets provided by farmers. Microbiota clustered into three enterotypes, with one particularly enriched at high altitudes. We assembled 9977 taxonomically and functionally diverse metagenome-assembled genomes. The vast majority of these were not found in a dataset of previously published chicken microbes or in the Genome Taxonomy Database.ConclusionsThe wide functional and taxonomic diversity of these microbes highlights their importance in the local adaptation of indigenous poultry, and the significant impacts of environmental factors on the microbiota argue for further discoveries in other agro-ecologies.EEwR8PKafK2-LVnkA2-YG-Video

Economic Impacts of Coccidiosis on Productivity and Survivability of Chicken in Ethiopia, a Review

Economic Impacts of Coccidiosis on Productivity and Survivability of Chicken in Ethiopia, a Review

Systematic Review on Herbal Plants Having Veterinary Ectoparasitic Importance in Ethiopia

Parasitic skin disease in domestic ruminants caused by ticks, lice, fleas, and ticks is one of the serious diseases causing great economic losses to smallholder farmers, the industry tanning and the country in general. Invasion of ectoparasites causes blood loss, irritation leading to skin degeneration and rejection, poor growth, reduced production, reproduction and death. Although ruminant parasites can be controlled using commercial synthetic insecticides, their accessibility and affordability to poor farmers, the development of Their resistance status and profound environmental impact make them less desirable than other alternatives such as medicinal plants. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an activity to evaluate the mite-killing efficacy of medicinal plants traditionally used against parasitic skin diseases in ruminants and domestic chickens in Ethiopia. The study was conducted from October 2020 to January 2021 using the different search engines. For this study, various ethno botanical and ethno medical survey reports on the ectoparasitic importance of medicinal plants, in veterinary practice conducted in Ethiopia were used. Out of a total of 102 studies, 20 were used in a systematic review. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data collected. Among the parts of ectoparasitic plants, the leaves are the most frequently used. Sharpening and grinding are the main processing methods for preparation. Phytochemicals were not detected during the search. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the dosage, concentration of the preparation, side effects and phytochemicals present in medicinal plants.

Biometric Trait Characterization and Multivariate Discriminant Analysis of Traditionally Bred Autochthonous Chickens in Ethiopia

The biometric characterization of autochthonous Ethiopian chickens has not been fully investigated in the study area. In this study, we aimed to conduct biometric trait characterization and multivariate discriminant analysis of traditionally bred autochthonous chickens in Ethiopia and assess the wide range of phenotypic diversity within these populations. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used, and data on biometric traits and body weight were collected from adult chickens. Principal component and correlation analyses were performed to explore the discriminating factors and relationships among traits. All autochthonous chickens showed clear sexual dimorphism, with the Agarfa chickens having the highest biometric traits and body weight. Across the study area, the majority of biometric values showed variation between age group 1 (AG-1) and age group 3 (AG-3). All autochthonous chickens showed a strong correlation between wingspan and back length (p ≤ 0.001). Roosters and hens also showed a strong correlation between the keel and neck length (p ≤ 0.001). Principal component 1 (PC1) and principal component 2 (PC2) explained 56.44%, 55.09%, and 47.86% of the total variation in the original variables for all autochthonous chickens, roosters, and hens, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed the existence of biometric trait and body weight variations among autochthonous chickens from different districts. Therefore, genetic profiling should be performed to better understand the genetic potential of autochthonous Ethiopian chickens.

A Review on Production, Reproduction, Morphometric, and Morphological Characteristics of Ethiopian Native Chickens

Native chickens in Ethiopia are characterized in a fragmented manner for their performance characteristics and genotypes. This review aimed to explore the production and reproduction performance characteristics as well as the morphometric and morphological diversity of Ethiopian native chickens. The investigation was performed on four production performance characteristics, including average egg per clutch, average clutch/hen/year, average egg set/hen, and average egg/hen/year, as well as six reproductive performance characteristics, including age at first laying, age of male chickens at first bred, age at which female chickens are first bred, the reproductive life span of males and females, and fertility percentage in various parts of Ethiopia. Some economically practical morphometric characteristics of native chickens, such as shank length, chest circumference, comb length, body weight, body length, keel length, wattle length, neck length, back length, and morphological diversity, were also summarized. Regarding performance characteristics, there were some variations in eggs’ average production performance per clutch (13.56-15.4 eggs) and clutch/hen/year (3.0-4.29) in Ethiopia. The average reproduction performance characteristics of Ethiopian native chickens for age at first laying (6.90-7.13 months), age of male chickens at first bred (5.87-6.15 months), female at first bred (5.20-5.93 months), the reproductive life span of males (3.79 years) and hens (3.56 years), and chicks hatched from set eggs revealed variation across Ethiopia. In various locations of Ethiopia, the average trait values reported for Ethiopian native chickens under the farmer’s management differed in terms of morphometric and morphological features. The variation observed in performance characteristics, as well as morphometrics and morphological characteristics for Ethiopian native chicken ecotype population, can help the native breed classification, unique trait conservation, and breed improvement intervention programs.

Review on phenotypic characterization and breeding objective traits of indigenous chicken in Ethiopia

For local chicken ecotypes, knowledge of the distribution of genetic diversity will be useful for optimizing conservation and utilization strategies. In Ethiopia, rural chickens are found in huge numbers distributed across different agroecological zones under a traditional family-based scavenging management system. However, due to the prevalence of diseases and predators, low genetic potentials, feed shortage, and limited feed resources, constraints related to the institutional, infrastructural, socio-economic, and economic contribution of local chickens are not proportional to their huge number. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the production system, phenotypic characterization, and breeding objective traits of local chicken ecotypes. Overall desired traits by farmers are body weight, comb type, breeding ability, plumage color, body conformation, egg number, and size, adaptive trait, and mothering ability. Generally, these traits are considered important for selecting chicken in a market for meat and egg consumption and for breeding purposes in Ethiopia. Therefore, these preference traits and breeding objectives of farmers are important to improve the genetic part of chickens in Ethiopia.

Characterization of potential probiotics Lactobacillus species isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken in Ethiopia

Background and aimsNowadays, probiotic microorganisms are given high attention due to their potential for the improvement of animal production and productivity. The natural gut microflora of poultry can serve as an excellent source of optimum probiotic strains. Therefore, this study isolated, identified and characterized potential probiotic Lactobacillus strains from the digestive tract content of RIR chicken in Ethiopia. MethodsA total of five RIR chickens were randomly taken and a sample was taken from each gastrointestinal content for further analysis. For further characterization, among 190 isolates only 10 representative isolates were randomly taken for further in vitro probiotic potential characterization. The selected isolates were screened and identified based on the biochemical, morphological, and 16S rRNA gene sequences. ResultsSurvival isolates of IS3, IS4, IS6, and IS7 were significantly different (P < 0.05) at pH 2. IS3, IS4, IS6, and IS7 showed tolerance for 0.3% bile salt. Isolates of IS1, IS2, IS5, IS7, and IS8 were ampicillin-resistant, and chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin were used as antibiotics. All ten isolates showed antagonistic activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus intermedius, and Salmonella enteritidis. The optimum temperature for all isolates was 45 °C, and all the isolates could grow at 0.69 mol/L of NaCl. Using phylogenetic analysis of the 16SrRNA gene sequence; IS3 was identified as Lactobacillus salivarius, while IS4, IS6, and IS7 were identified as Lactobacillus reuteri. ConclusionsThe results indicated that the selected Lactobacillus isolates can survive the stress conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and can thus be considered potential probiotic candidates for chickens.

Poultry Production Status, Major Constraints, and Future Prospective

Poultry production is a sector of livestock production to gain meat, egg, and other products from domesticated bird species, including chickens, ostriches, turkeys, ducks, and guinea fowls. Poultry production is different from country to country due to different economic activities, environmental situations, and cultural aspects of society. With this in mind, the current study aimed to review the literature to explore the current status of poultry production, highlight the constraints in poultry production, and predict the future of poultry production. In many societies, poultry plays an important socio-cultural role. Diseases, market problems, feed resources, lack of proper housing, predators, as well as social and cultural constraints are all obstacles to the future growth of the poultry industry. Despite the presence of a large chicken population in Ethiopia, contribution to the national economy or benefit exploited is very limited due to diseases, predators, and veterinary services. The main diseases affecting the chickens in Ethiopia include viral disease (Newcastle disease), gastrointestinal parasites, ectoparasites, aspergillosis, and different bacterial infections due to lack of biosecurity. In addition, chicken predators affecting poultry production in Ethiopia are wild mammals locally called ama, cats, and birds (vultures). However, the poultry production system has a bright future since different local and international humanitarian organizations have recognized that addressing this sector will benefit the poorest and most disadvantaged people in developing nations. With the need to increase animal protein sources in the world, there is general agreement that these areas are going to witness further expansion in the current decades. Therefore, it is recommended to increase productivity through improvements in health, management, and control of predators.

Epidemiology of Newcastle disease in chickens of Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this systematic review was to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of Newcastle disease in chickens in Ethiopia and identify the sources of heterogeneity among and within studies. The seroprevalence of Newcastle disease was estimated using a single-group meta-analysis. Attempts were also made to identify study-level variables that could explain the heterogeneity in the apparent seroprevalence of the Newcastle disease. The findings were based on 16 published articles and 33 district-level reports and were limited to studies performed during 2005-2017. Due to the presence of heterogeneity, pooled analysis from different districts was conducted using random-effects meta-analysis. The single-group summary of Newcastle disease seroprevalence in chickens was estimated to be 21.47% (19.54-23.4%) with a 95% confidence interval. Our results indicated high inter-study variability (Cochran's Q statistic = 196.2, true variance (τ2) = 0.36, inverse variance index (I2) = 90.0%, p < 0.001). Of all variables analysed, diagnostic techniques and regions were the most significant predictors (p ˂ 0.05) of heterogeneity. According to the diagnostic technique-based meta-analysis of random pooled prevalence, the haemagglutination inhibition test had the highest prevalence, followed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In conclusion, the high-pooled prevalence estimates of the disease, combined with the scarcity of published data for the entire country of Ethiopia, indicate a significant data gap on the distribution of Newcastle disease in the country. While the high pooled prevalence tells the need for intervention to control the disease, there is also a need to assess the disease prevalence in all other parts of the country.

Review on Production and Reproduction Performance of Indigenous Chicken in Ethiopia

The review summarizes the production and reproductive performance of indigenous chicken in Ethiopia. Even though the total population of indigenous chicken is high enough (98%) than other exotic and crossbreeds, the gain from the poultry sector is still low. Thus, production was encountered under free-range systems with low input for the sector, which limits the profit due to low egg production, small egg size, slow growth rate, late maturity, small clutch size, intensive inclination to broodiness, and high mortality of chickens. The reproductive performance of indigenous chickens includes hatchability and fertility of eggs in addition to the above, which depended on health, nutrition, genetics, storage, incubation condition, and seasonal fluctuation, as well as the number of eggs given to broody hens, was also another factor that causes variability. The hatchability of broody hen reaches up to 85.69%, which was higher than reports from a modern incubator in governmental poultry breed and multiplication centre in Ethiopia (69%) under standard breeding conditions. In terms of the egg and meat production, minimum values were recorded than other exotic and cross breeds because there was no identified productive breed in the country and still in classifications based on ecotypes/location/ and feather plumages of the chicken, even if they have good quality in terms of test for their products. They are also good scavenging as well as foragers and have a high level of disease tolerance, good maternal quality, adapt to harsh conditions and poor-quality feeds. However, there is a lack of knowledge about poultry production, limitation of feed resources, the prevalence of disease as well as institutional and socio-economic conditions are faced

Isolation and Molecular Detection of Newcastle Disease Virus from Field Outbreaks in Chickens in Central Ethiopia.

BackgroundNewcastle disease is a major viral disease of poultry. The virus is a major problem for chickens in Ethiopia and there is a scarcity of updated information on the virological and molecular status of confirmation of Newcastle disease outbreak cases in the country.MethodsNewcastle disease outbreaks were investigated from February 2021 to October 2021 in central Ethiopia to isolate and detect the virus by cell culture and reverse transcriptase PCR. A total of 44 pooled tissue specimens were sampled from sick and recently dead chickens showing typical clinical signs of Newcastle disease. Virus isolation were performed using DF-1 cells and detection of the virus was done by real-time PCR.ResultsOut of 44 collected tissue samples, 38.63% (17/44) were positive on DF-1 cells. The result shows 17 of the clinically sick and dead chickens were positive for the virus by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Based on the sample type, 54.54% (6/11) of the brain samples, 36.36% (4/11) of the intestines, 54.54% (6/11) of lung and trachea, 9% (1/11) of pooled liver, kidney, heart, and spleen samples were positive. Viruses were isolated in the proportions 37.5% (6/16), 25% (2/8), 50% (2/4), 25% (1/4), 50% (2/4) and 50% (4/8) from Sebeta, Bishoftu, Sululta, Nifas Silk, Kolfe and Yeka, respectively.ConclusionThis study showed that Newcastle disease is a major viral disease causing death of chickens in the study area. Therefore, any control approach should focus on the appropriate characterization of the virus strain causing the outbreak in the study area.

Molecular Survey and Identification of Campylobacter spp. in Layer Farms in Central Ethiopia.

Few data are available on Campylobacter spp. presence in chickens in Ethiopia. Due to its importance for both the poultry sector and public health, a sampling activity was planned to evaluate Campylobacter spp. presence in layer farms in Bishoftu and Mojo, Central Ethiopia. Twenty cloacal pooled samples were collected and tested with molecular assays for detection and Sanger-sequenced for species identification. As a secondary aim, samples were also tested for Salmonella spp. by PCR, and all samples were negative. On the other hand, 70% of cloacal swab pools were positive for Campylobacter spp.: 71.4% of the positive samples belonged to C. jejuni species, 21.4% to C. avium and 7.1% to C. helveticus. Campylobacter spp. was identified in almost all farms regardless of farm and flock size, age and hybrid types of the birds and antimicrobial treatment. Campylobacter jejuni is a common finding in chickens, whereas species such as C. avium and C. helveticus were newly reported in Ethiopia, revealing a variability that needs to be monitored in light of the public health significance of this pathogen.

Comparative Immunogenicity Evaluation of Two Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccines Commonly Used in Broiler Chickens in Ethiopia.

PurposeInfectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the most endemic diseases of commercial poultry in Ethiopia. Vaccination is used as the major means of IBD prevention and control. A study was conducted to compare the immunogenicity of two commercially available IBD vaccines in broiler chicken with maternally derived antibody (MDA).MethodsA total of 270 day-one-old chicks were randomly assigned to three groups, group 1 vaccinated with product A vaccine at the age of 7 and 19 days and group 2 with product B vaccine on day 15 and 22 while group 3 were kept as control. Six chickens were also randomly selected and bled on day 1 for differential leukocyte count (DLC) and determination of MDA. Representative chickens from each group were bled at 24th and 42nd days of age for antibody titration using the indirect ELISA test. DLC scores were determined in the 1st and 24th days.ResultsThe result revealed highly significant differences (P = 0.001) between group 1 and group 2 in DLC at 24th days of age. Antibody titers against IBD were differed significantly (P = 0.02) at 24th and 42nd days of age in broilers vaccinated with product A and product B vaccines.ConclusionBoth vaccines have induced an adequate immunological response at the end of the experiment; however, product A has shown significantly higher antibody titers against the IBDV and DLC than product B.

Evaluation of live-body weight and the number of eggs produced for introduced and local chickens in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Ethiopia’s 60 million chickens are reared primarily in free range, smallholder systems. Therefore, upgrading smallholder poultry to small-scale commercial systems is central to rural development. With the aim of providing access to improved chicken by rural farmers in Ethiopia, the live body weight at week 17 and number of eggs per bird per week for one locally improved and three tropically adapted dual-purpose chicken strains was tested through a project called the African Chicken Genetic Gains. Both traits were analyzed by fitting a linear mixed model with week and pen as random effects, and station and breed as fixed effects. The result showed that both breed and station effects were significant for both traits. The introduced breeds performed better than the local improved breed for both traits. Thus, the introduction of system-appropriate high-yielding tropically adapted breeds has the potential to increase the productivity of chicken.

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

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.

Genotype by Environment interactions for egg number and egg weight of five dual-purpose chicken breeds in different zones of Oromia region in Ethiopia

The African Chicken Genetic Gain (ACGG) project (https://africacgg.net/) aims at backyard poultry optimization by commercial dual-purpose breeds introduction into Africa. To measure benefits, genotype by environment interaction (GxE) analysis provides guidance while predicting environmental effects on production traits of breeds. A survey among Ethiopian poultry smallholders showed egg sale being the most important purpose of keeping village chickens in Oromia. Data was available about laying of 894 ACGG chickens in Oromia. Hence current research questions were: 1) Does GxE take place? 2) Which breed performs best regarding laying and in which environment within Oromia? Traits investigated were egg number and egg weight of five breeds (S-RIR, Sasso, Horro, Kuroiler and Koekoek) located in three zones (East Hararge, East and West Shoa) and 5 districts (Adami Tulu, Bako Tibe, Dano, Dugda and Haromaya) in Oromia. Observations were taken as group measure performing weighted analyses. GxE was only present for egg number with magnitude strongest for zone. S-RIR performed best for both traits in both environments, except Kuroiler performing better in East Shoa for egg number and Koekoek for egg weight. This indicates success of crossbreed S-RIR. Sasso and Horro performed worst supported by previous research for Horro but not Sasso. Low precipitation in East Shoa caused bigger distance in egg number predictions, being higher for S-RIR and lower for Horro and Sasso compared to West Shoa. Apart from these final conclusions, social context of breeding and data collection difficulties should not be forgotten. Just like relevance of other performance trait analyses.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard chickens (Gallus domesticus): Seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Northwest Ethiopia.

Limited data is accessible about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard (free-range) chickens in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2018 to April 2019 to estimate the seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in backyard chickens in Northwest Ethiopia. Serum samples were collected from 384 backyard chickens. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were assayed using Toxo-Latex slide agglutination test. Seropositivity for T. gondii antibodies was confirmed in 72.4% of 384 birds. Altitude, presence of cat and dog around the house, age, breed and water source were considered as potential risk factors (p<.05) associated with Toxoplasma seropositivity in this study. But, sex was not identified as a predictor for Toxoplasma infection even though higher seroprevalence was observed in females (73.7%) than males (69.3%). In conclusion, this study indicates a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in backyard chickens in Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, further works on epidemiology, bioassay, isolation and genetic characterization of the pathogen are imperative. It also warrants an action to prevent and control T. gondii infection in backyard chickens that could serve as an important intermediate host and pose a potential threat for consumers.

English

This study reviews the introduction of the exotic breeds and cross breeding of local chicken in Ethiopia, solution to genetic erosion and needs for conservation with aim of delivering in the short form and clear information for beneficiaries and to whom it may concern. Poultry production and its product consumption are progressively increasing globally. In Ethiopia, chicken production plays a great role as a primary supply of eggs and meat in rural and urban areas and as a source of income for smallholder farmers. The interest of the farmers to maximize poultry products is increasing. Therefore, the different parts of the farmers are practicing crossbreeding unsystematically. However, crossbreeding is not advised and recommended by government due to its impact on genetic diversity and losing of the important traits of local chickens; thus, policy of the government has prepared different strategies to improve livestock development. There is no good breeding scheme introduced so far to avoid such kind of impacts or else regulator laws to avoid uncontrolled breeding activities. Therefore, conservation of locally adapted indigenous livestock breeds has become an important objective in sustainable animal breeding, as these breeds represent a unique genetic resource. And even if the indigenous chickens are low in productive performance, it has its unique and important characteristics such as brooding, tolerance of the disease and harsh environment of tropics, and giving good product under management condition. Therefore, adjusting the proper breeding strategies in the country, especially upgrading the local chicken for higher production through selective breeding system rather than cross breeding with exotic breeds and conservation of the genetic resource is needed. Key words: Conservation, cross breeding, exotic and local chickens breed, genetic erosion, Ethiopia

Review Work on Body Weight and Egg Production Performance of Chickens in Ethiopia

Different breeds of exotic chickens were imported to Ethiopia with the aim of improving chicken productivity. Moreover, one way of improving low genetic potential of local chickens is crossbreeding programs of local chickens with exotic chicken breeds. For further improvement in production traits, understanding performance of economic traits in chicken is important for the formulation of breeding plans. Therefore, the objective of this review paper is to review egg and body weight performance of chickens in Ethiopia. Breed of chicken used, environmental conditions, and management practices are the main factor that affects chicken productivity. The average egg production and body weight performance of chickens is higher in exotic breed followed by cross and local ones. However, poor performance of exotic chickens is observed in situations where the breeds are poorly managed. The performance of crossbreds reduces gradually as the percent of genes goes beyond 50 but the management gets down. With regard to local ones, better management and proper breeding technique do have a chance for upgrading. Therefore, better management, proper breeding activities and regulatory laws should be imposed to enhance chicken productivities. Keywords: Egg, Body weight, Local, Exotic, Crossbreed, Chicken DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-8-03 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

English

This study reviews the productive and reproductive performance of indigenous chickens in Ethiopia with the aim of delivering summarized and synthesized information for the beneficiaries and producers. Chicken production encompasses into traditional scavenging, small and large-scale market orientated systems based on the objective of the producer, the type of inputs used and the number and types of chickens kept. In Ethiopia, indigenous chickens produces 10 to 20 eggs per clutch and 30 to 65 small eggs per hen per year in 3 to 4 clutches. Local chickens reach slaughter/market age at 8 to 12 months with 0.6 to 2.5 kg average weight at farmer management system. Indigenous chickens require long time to reach sexual maturity and takes longest time to recover reproductive cycle by local broody hen. The average mortality rate was highest and which affects both productive and reproductive performance of indigenous chickens by reducing survival rate. There were huge number of indigenous chickens existing in Ethiopia but productivity was disproportional to the number of chickens. The major constraint which affects productive and reproductive performance of indigenous chickens are diseases and predators, feed shortages, lack of training and extension services, and lack of proper marketing systems. Conclusively, lowest productive and reproductive performance was recorded which needs further improvement by adjusting training and extension service for farmers. Key words: Indigenous chickens, reproductive performance, productive performance, Ethiopia. &nbsp