Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Research Articles

Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality and Organoleptic Indices of Crossbred Progenies from Meat-Type Chicken and Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Breeds

Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality and Organoleptic Indices of Crossbred Progenies from Meat-Type Chicken and Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Breeds

Evaluation of growth performance traits of F1 progenies derived from crossbred of an exotic chicken with Nigerian Indigenous chicken

Data were obtained for growth traits from fifty (50) progenies from straight crossing produced from crosses involving Arbor Acre (broiler) cocks and Nigerian Indigenous (Normal feather and naked neck) hens. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in breed and sex across all bodyweight and body linear measurements at 4-12 weeks of age. The result indicated that Arbor acre naked neck (AANN) birds had the highest body weight (120.95 g), keel length (5.11 g), and shank length (7.34 g). Also, AANN had the highest feed intake (148.40 g) with AANN having a good FCR of 3.98 and WG of 37.33. There were also similar body weights of AANN (456.20 g) and AANF (302.73 g) at 8 weeks of age, while the feed conversion rate was also observed to be better in AANN (1.61) than Arbor acre normal feather (1.70). The interaction effects of growth traits revealed slightly similar values for both sexes in AANF while male AANN outperformed across all parameters measured except for keel length It was concluded that Arbor Acre x Naked neck (AANN) had higher morphometric characteristics and also exhibited higher values for growth performance than Arbor Acre x Normal feather (AANF), hence can be utilized for meat purposes if further study can be conducted on it.

Diversity of the Ghrelin Gene in Nigeria’s Fulani and Yoruba Ecotype Chickens

Ghrelin (GHRL) is a novel 28-amino acid gut-brain peptide linked to a gene associated with the regulation of growth hormones in birds. This study was carried out to investigate the polymorphism of the Ghrelin gene in Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes chickens in Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from seventy-eight (78) Nigerian indigenous chickens comprising of 41 Yoruba ecotype chickens and 37 Fulani ecotype chickens. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used and the MboII restriction enzyme cut site 71 of the ghrelin and genetic structure were determined. Population structure was analyzed using allele and genotype frequencies, heterozygosity and genetic variation metrics. Two alleles (C and T) and three genotypes (CC, CT and TT) were observed. In the Yoruba Ecotype, the allele frequencies were C (0.34) and T (0.66) respectively while C (0.45) and T (0.55) were observed in the Fulani ecotype and the overall population was C (0.39) and T (0.61). The genotype frequencies obtained were; in the Yoruba ecotype, CC (0.10), CT (0.48), and TT (0.41) were observed. In the Fulani ecotype, CC (0.22), CT (0.45), and TT (0.32) were also observed, and in the overall population CC (0.15). CT (0.47) and TT (0.37) were observed. FIS values for the Yoruba ecotype (-0.0847) and Fulani ecotype (0.00702) reflects random mating and inbreeding respectively. The effective number of alleles indicates that the Fulani ecotype has more effective alleles compared to the Yoruba ecotype. These results suggest that the Yoruba ecotype may be at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while Fulani ecotype deviates for the ghrelin locus. In summary, our results may open opportunities for genetic improvement in Nigerian indigenous chicken due to the polymorphic nature of the ghrelin gene.

Morphological features of the late-embryo-stage gastrointestinal tract of free-roaming light ecotype Nigerian indigenous chicken.

Morphological changes in the late-embryo-stage gastrointestinal tract of Nigerian indigenous chicken were investigated using anatomical techniques. The paraffin-embedded sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff-Alcian blue (pH 2.5) stains. During the late pre-hatch period, the framework of the stomach was already established, but glands were yet poorly developed. Randomly oriented pre-glandular cells in the lamina propria mucosae at embryonic day (ED) 14 became organized into elongated simple tubular glands at ED 19 and assumed adult morphology at post-hatch day (PD) 1. Acidic and neutral mucin deposits were associated with the glandular cells. In the small intestine, enterocytes of the tunica epithelialis mucosae transformed from cuboidal-shaped cells (at ED 14) to tall columnar cells (at PD 1). Short crypts of Lieberkühn, goblet cells, microfold cells and enteroendocrine cells were evident at ED 19, while the lamina propria mucosae and submucosa contained mesenchymal cells, reticular cells and isolated lymphoblasts. Similarly, the crypts, lymphoblasts, mesenchymal and reticular cells were also associated with the lamina propria mucosae and submucosa of the caecum and colorectum at ED 19. It was inferred from these findings that extensive cellular and tissue modifications occur in the gastrointestinal tract within the narrow window of the late pre-hatch period. The definitive gut tunics, epithelium, glandular tissues, immune-competent cells and tissues are formed as a result. Thus, the embryonic gut of the bird is made capable of assuming its necessary functions of food digestion, nutrient absorption, water and ion re-absorption, immune surveillance, antibody production and immune responses at hatch.

GENETIC PARAMETERS AND CORRELATIONS OF EARLY WEIGHT TRAITS IN A NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS HEAVY X LIGHT ECOTYPES POPULATION OF CHICKENS

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Improvement of the Nigerian indigenous chickens is desirable because of its socioeconomic important. <strong>Objective</strong>: To estimate the heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weight, body length, wing length and shank length of the mating of heavy ecotype cocks with light ecotype hens of Nigerian indigenous chickens. <strong>Methodology</strong>: The mating design was such that one heavy ecotype cock mated with 10 light ecotype hens in twenty replicate pens. The mating produced 752 chicks from ten batches of hatch. The estimates of variance components were obtained from paternal half sib analysis using the average information restricted maximum likelihood of BLUPF90 family of programs. <strong>Results</strong>: The heritability of body weight ranged from 0.20 to 0.44 from 6 to 12 weeks of age. Similarly, the heritability of body length, wing length and shank length ranged from 0.39 to 0.63, 0.51 to 0.71 and 0.31 to 0.54 respectively from 6 to 12 weeks of age. The genetic correlations among the early growth traits measured were negative to positive in magnitude and ranged from -0.99 to 0.66 while the phenotypic correlations ranged from -0.15 to 0.91. <strong>Implication</strong>: The results imply that early growth traits of light and heavy ecotype Nigerian indigenous chicken could be improved through mass selection. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: It is concluded from this study that the heritability of early growth traits were moderate to high in magnitude and the genetic and phenotypic correlations mostly positive.</p>

An exploratory study on differences in maternal care between two ecotypes of Nigerian indigenous chicken hens

The Yoruba (YRE) and Fulani (FLE) are the two notable indigenous chicken ecotypes in Nigeria. They exhibit broodiness and post-hatch care of their chicks. Studies on welfare, productivity, and maternal behaviors of these two ecotypes are scarce, hence the need for this study. Separate flocks of these ecotypes were housed intensively and hens that showed broodiness (ten YRE and five FLE) were monitored. Brooding behaviors were monitored for 3 days in the 1st and 2nd weeks of brooding and daily in the 3rd week of brooding for 6 h/day (07:00–09:00 h, 11:00–13:00 h, and 15:00–17:00 h). During brooding, surface body temperatures (eye, brood patch and under the wings), egg temperature and body weight of the hens were measured. Chicks hatched (44 chicks from the YRE and 24 chicks from the FLE) by these hens were subjected to tonic immobility tests on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-hatch and to a simulated predator test on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd days post-hatch to determine their level of fear. In each ecotype, brooding behaviors did not change over the three weeks, but the YRE hens spent longer time sitting on their eggs at the 2nd (U = 5.000, z = −2.454, P = 0.014) and 3rd (U = 9.000, z = −1.961, P = 0.050) week of brooding. The surface body temperatures of both ecotypes, egg temperature, and relative weekly weight loss were similar over the brooding period, but relative weekly weight loss was greater (P < 0.05) at the 3rd than 1st and 2nd week of brooding. The surface body temperatures were positively correlated (P < 0.01) with egg temperature. In both ecotypes, attempts to induce and duration of tonic immobility were similar over the test periods but on the 7th day post-hatch, the duration of tonic immobility was longer (U = 323.000, z = −2.632, P = 0.008) and on the 14th day post-hatch, the number of attempts to induce tonic immobility was less (U = 332.000, z = −2.630, P = 0.009) in the YRE chicks. In conclusion, YRE hens sat more on the eggs and their chicks were more fearful.

Characterization of the cecal microbiome composition of Nigerian indigenous chickens.

Poultry cecum microbes are dynamic and complex. They play important roles in disease prevention, detoxification of harmful substances, nutrient processing, and ingestion harvesting. It may be possible to increase poultry productivity by better understanding and controlling the microbial population. We analyzed the composition and function of Nigerian hens' cecal microbiota using high-throughput sequencing methods. Using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes (V1-V9) hypervariable regions, the cecal microbiota of three Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes (Naked neck, Frizzle, and Normal feather) was described and compared. A total of two phyla were represented among the three genotypes (Firmicutes and Proteobacteria). Microbiological diversity was found in the community, with naked neck having the most evenness, followed by normal feather, which had the least. There were a lot of similarities between the naked neck and frizzle feather chicken groups when it came to genetic diversity between them. For example, the bacterial cecal microbiota of the naked neck chickens was more diverse, with a higher concentration of motility proteins, two-component systems, bacterial secretion systems, and the formation and breakdown of secondary metabolites. More understanding on gut microbiota roles and interactions will help Nigerian poultry farmers improve their methods and give valuable data for the study of bacteria in the chicken gut.

Comparative Evaluation of Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Improved Nigerian Indigenous Broiler and Different Crossbreds

The study was carried out as part of efforts to improve the performance of the Nigerian indigenous chicken and improve potentials of indigenous broiler strains to provide higher quality of meat at a reduced cost. The study compared the growth and feeding traits of three different chicken crossbreds with the generated lines of Improved Nigerian indigenous broiler (FUNAAB-Alpha) using the Arbor Acre broiler as the experimental control. Males of three broiler breeds types (Kuroiler, Sasso and Arbo Acre) were mated with a total of 120 improved Nigerian indigenous pullets (FUNAAB-Alpha) to generate 360 crossbred broilers. 120 each of Arbor Acre and FUNAAB-Alpha improved line were also reared in a separate pen for comparison. Growth performance, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of all the chicken breeds were recorded for 8 weeks and compared. Two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the analysis with consideration of the effect of breeds, sex and its interaction. The results revealed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) influence of the breeds on the traits across all ages. FUNAAB-Alpha broiler consumed the least quantity of feed/bird/day followed by the Sasso-FUNAAB-Alpha crossbred throughout the period of the experiment. However, Sasso-FUNAAB-Alpha chicken had the highest mean value for body weight and other linear body parameters among the crossbreds. Despite of the improvements achieved in FUNAAB-Alpha crosses, there is a need for further analysis and research in order to achieve the maximum potential of the improved broiler strain

Sequence analysis of exon 1 and intron 1 of growth hormone gene in six chicken genotypes raised in tropical environment

Alpha % Growth hormone gene % Nigerian indigenous chicken % SNPs KR nema Chicken growth hormone (cGH) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland which is responsible for several functions such as tissue growth and reproduction in chickens. This study was conducted to characterize six chicken genotypes using exon 1 and intron 1 regions of cGH gene sequences. One hundred and thirty-four (134) chickens comprising Normal feather (19), Naked neck (21), Frizzle feather (8), Arbor Acre (24), FUNAAB Alpha-1 (dihybrid) (31), and FUNAAlpha-2 (trihybrid) (31) were used for the study. Blood samples were collected from the birds into EDTA bottles for DNA extraction. The exon 1 and intron 1 regions of cGH were amplified using published primers. The product of the polymerase chain reaction was subjected to Sanger sequencing. DnaSP5 software was used to determine the diversity indices and MEGA6 software was used to determine the phylogenetic relationships among the six chicken genotypes and other chicken sequences. Fifteen (15) SNPs were identified in intron 1 and none in exon 1 of the cGH gene in all the six genotypes, and nine (9) of the SNPs occurred as transitions while others were transversions. The allele frequency ranged from 0.30 to 0.95 while the highest heterozygosity (0.66) was observed in mutation 410A&gt;C in Naked neck genotype and lowest heterozygosity observed in Arbor Acre at SNP 330C&gt;T. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) was at the maximum in SNP 410A&gt;C in Naked neck genotype with a value of 0.92. The exon 1 phylogeny tree revealed two clades where all the genotypes diverged. Intron 1 revealed two clades where Frizzle feather clustered with FUNAAB Alpha-1, Naked neck and FUNAAlpha-2 clustered together at one of the sub-clades in the second clade. Network analysis revealed Normal feather chicken as the major ancestor of all the genotypes. The study concluded that intron 1 of cGH is polymorphic in all the six chicken genotypes investigated, and this can be used as candidate gene for selection in growth-related traits.

A PRELIMINARY COMPARISON OF MITOCHONDRIAL D-LOOP REGION OF FUNAAB ALPHA AND NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CHICKENS

Nigerian indigenous chickens possess immunity from endemic diseases and have a better survival rate than commercial hybrid strains under local production conditions. FUNAAB Alpha chicken was developed by improving Nigerian indigenous chickens through crossbreeding and selection. This study compared the mitochondrial d-loop of FUNAAB Alpha and Nigerian indigenous chickens to check likely genetic erosion and loss of diversity in development of FUNAAB Alpha breed. Blood samples were collected from Nigerian indigenous (n=23) and FUNAAB Alpha (n=20) chickens sampled from farms and houses in Ogun state, Nigeria. The Hypervariable 1 (HV1) of the mitochondrial d-loop region was amplified and sequenced. Single nucleotide polymorphisms present in HV1 of chickens were identified using Clustal W. Genetic diversity of the region was determined using DnaSp v5 while selective forces acting on the chickens were predicted using HyPhy software implemented inside MEGA 6 software. Phylogenetic relationship among FUNAAB Alpha, Nigerian indigenous and other chicken breeds was determined using MEGA 6 software. Five polymorphisms were identified in FUNAAB Alpha chickens while twelve were identified in Nigerian indigenous chickens. All the polymorphisms identified in FUNAAB Alpha chickens were also observed in Nigerian indigenous chickens while seven polymorphisms were unique to Nigerian indigenous chickens. Higher diversity indices were observed in Nigerian indigenous chickens (number of haplotype: 4; haplotype diversity: 0.743±0.012; nucleotide diversity: 0.014±0.0013 and average number of nucleotide differences: 4.332) compared with FUNAAB Alpha chickens (number of haplotype: 2; haplotype diversity: 0.485±0.001; nucleotide diversity: 0.008±0.0001 and average number of nucleotide differences: 2.424). Positive selective forces were acting on FUNAAB Alpha chickens while negative selective forces were acting on Nigerian indigenous chickens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that FUNAAB Alpha chickens clustered with Nigerian indigenous and South American chickens. It can be concluded that there was likely genetic erosion and loss of diversity in development of FUNAAB Alpha breed. Breeding programmes aimed at improvement of genetic diversity and reduction of genetic erosion should be applied in subsequent improvement of FUNAAB Alpha chickens.

Egg production and quality assessment of Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes and their crosses with Marshall

This study focused on investigating the reproductive performance of Nigerian indigenous chickens and their crosses with Marshall. The genotypes were normal-feathered (Nn), frizzle-feathered (Ff) and naked neck (Na) chickens, while the crossbreds with Marshall (M) breed were MNn, Mf and MNa respectively (Marshall being the sire while the indigenous are dams). Data were taken on; weekly egg production, weight at first egg and age at first egg. Genotype significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced egg production traits. Egg weight ranged from 23.71±21.06g to 26.13±0.94g for indigenous purebreds and 39.75±0.75 to 48.06±0.579 for crossbreds. Age at first egg were 165.63±0.61 days (Nn), 170.60±0.75 days (Na) and 173.57±0.52 days (Ff) 188.77±1.67 days (MNn), 187.50±3.16 days (MNa) and 185.25±5.44 days (MF). Also, genotype significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced egg quality traits. Heritability for first egg production traits were 0.37 (Nm), 0.16 (Na) and 0.66 (Fz) while heritability estimates for egg quality trait (haugh unit) were 0.14, 0.07 and 0.08 for Nm, Na and Fz birds, respectively. The crossbreds performed better than the indigenous purebreds in egg production traits. The Nigerian indigenous chicken can therefore be improved upon for better egg production traits using the Marshall breed.

Determination of relative economic weights of growth and egg production traits in Nigerian indigenous chicken

The relative economic weight (REW) of a trait is the additional gain/loss from a unit change in the trait relative to other traits in an individual. They are used to calculate aggregate economic values for purposes of genetic improvement in animals. The present study was designed to evaluate the bio-economic variables of growth and 16 weeks egg production parameters: egg number (EN16) egg weight (EWT16) body weight at first egg (BWTFE), body weight at 16 week of lay (BWTE16), cost of feed, and revenue from eggs and chicken carcass, 16 feed conversion ratio (FCR ), and body weight gain (BWG16) in the Nigerian indigenous chicken, and to determine the economic weights (EW) and REW of EN16, EWT16 and BWTE16 for G0, G1, and G2 generations. A total of 250 pullets (20 week old, point of lay) from a population of heavy body weight local chickens were used for the study. The birds were housed individually in cages, fed optimally on layers mash (G and G : 100g/bird/day; G : 0 1 2 125g/bird/day) and given water ad libitum. Data included EN , EWT , BWTE , BWTFE, 16 16 16 and prices of feed, eggs and spent hens, FCR , and BWG . Data on EN , EWT , BWTE , 16 16 16 16 16 and BWTFE were compared across generations using ANOVAand with other variables were used to generate the EW of the traits. The EW were then standardized relative to that of BWTE . Results showed that EW and REW of EN , EWT , and BWTE were 7.47 and 3.15, 16 16 16 16 13.67 and 5.77 and -2.37 and -1.00, respectively in G ; 13.07 and 3.82, 23.69 and 6.93, and - 0 3.42 and -1.00, respectively in G ; 16.80 and 2.89, 30.75 and 5.28 and -5.82 and -1.00, 1 respectively in G generation. Thus EN and EWT enhanced while BWTE depressed the 2 16 16 16 worth of the hen as a layer. EWT was more important than EN and both were more 16 16 important than BWTE economically. Therefore, EWT and EN are the major bio-economic 16 variables of the local hen as an egg chicken.

Egg production and quality assessment of Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes and their crosses with Marshall

This study focused on investigating the reproductive performance of Nigerian indigenous chickens and their crosses with Marshall. The genotypes were normal-feathered (Nn), frizzle-feathered (Ff) and naked neck (Na) chickens, while the crossbreds with Marshall (M) breed were MNn, MFf and MNa respectively (Marshall being the sire while the indigenous are dams). Data were taken on; weekly egg production, weight at first egg and age at first egg. Genotype significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced egg production traits. Egg weight ranged from 23.71±1.06g to 26.13±0.94g for indigenous purebreds and 39.75±0.75g to 48.06±0.57g for crossbreds. Age at first egg were 165.63±0.61 days (Nn), 170.60±0.75 days (Na) and 173.57±0.52 days (Ff), 188.71±1.67 days (MNn), 187.50±3.16 days (MNa) and 185.25±5.44 days (MFf). Also, genotype significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced egg quality traits. Heritability for first egg production traits were 0.37 (Nm), 0.16 (Na) and 0.66 (Fz) while heritability estimates for egg quality trait (haugh unit) were 0.14, 0.07 and 0.08 for Nm, Na and Fz birds, respectively The crossbreds performed better than the indigenous purebreds in egg production traits. The Nigerian indigenous chicken can therefore be improved upon for better egg production traits using the Marshall breed.

Expression of B Locus Beta 2 (&lt;i&gt;BLB2&lt;/i&gt;) Gene at Cytolytic and Latent Immune Response Stages of Immunocompetence in Nigerian Indigenous Chickens

An economically-important trait in poultry for which gene identification continues to be a challenge is immune response. The objective of the study was to quantitate the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II BLB2 gene at cytolytic and latent immune response stages in Nigerian indigenous chickens. A total of 108 Nigerian indigenous chickens (NIC) were sourced across the South-western states in Nigeria. The birds were inoculated with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), after which blood samples were obtained (5 days post-inoculation) and antibody haemagglutination test was carried out to place the birds into groups of high and low antibody titre levels. The categorisation of the birds resulted in six groups of normal feather high, normal feather low, naked neck high, naked neck low, frizzle feather high and frizzle feather low antibody groups. A total of 48 chicks were selected from the progeny for gene expression studies. Surgical excision of thymus and spleen was carried out for the detection of cytolytic and latent responses of the birds. β-actin was used as the endogenous control and the critical threshold method (2–ΔΔCт) was carried out for the determination of fold change. The fold change of spleen tissue expression at cytolytic immune response of the birds was 30,362.44 compared to latent response 294.07; and the fold change of thymus expression at cytolytic immune response of the birds was 51.98 compared to latent response 5.24. At both cytolytic and latent stages of immune response to SRBC antigen, BLB2 expression in the spleen was comparatively higher than in the thymus and the height of transcriptional activity was associated with the cytolytic stage. The birds of high titre at both the cytolytic and the latent responses had higher mRNA expression. This study concluded that BLB2 gene expression in the Nigerian indigenous chicken was induced at the cytolytic stage and repressed at the latent stage. During avian infections, the category of high immune response birds would perform better than the low immune response counterpart; and the protective response that BLB2 gene offers will be repressed from one time point to the other.

Effects of the carbonated drink as an extender on semen characteristics, fertility and hatchability in Nigerian indigenous chicken

Semen extenders are liquid diluents that buffer sperm cells and preserve their fertilizing potentials. The commercial carbonated drink (CD) as an extender was evaluated on semen characteristics, fertility and hatchability in Yoruba ecotype chickens (YECs). The fructose of the CD was 1.52?0.05 mg/ml. Under the conditions of 370Celsius, 5% and 10% of CD were added to the egg yolk citrate solution to make 100%. Semen was obtained from ten matured Yoruba ecotype chicken cocks with an average weight of 1.8?0.2 kg. The semen was pooled in a test tube and added to the extenders for preservation at 0, 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, in a factorial design layout. Percentage motility of sperm cells was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in 5% CD inclusion compared with 10% CD inclusion and control. Motility decreased with an increase in preservation time across the treatments. The percentage of dead sperm cells decreased (p&lt;0.05) in 5% CD inclusion when compared with 10% CD inclusion and control. The sluggish sperm percentage increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) with semen preservation time. Fertility and hatchability of eggs were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in 5% CD inclusion. It was concluded that carbonated drinks at 5% inclusion in an extender could preserve cock sperm cells for 60 minutes with improved fertility and hatchability of eggs.

Comparative developmental trajectory of four strains of chicken embryo during incubation and their post-hatch growth

This study evaluated egg traits, embryonic growth, and early growth rate in four strains of chicken. A total of 1200 hatching eggs, 300 each from four strains of chicken were used for this study. The strains included Nigerian indigenous chicken (NIC), Arbor acre, Hubbard, and Marshall broiler strains. Embryonic weights, yolk and albumen utilization were monitored throughout the incubation period. The chicks were randomly distributed into four rearing pens for a 28-day assessment of growth rate. Blood samples were collected at hatch (day-old), week 1, 2, 3 and 4 posthatch for thyroxine (T ) level determination. This study showed that the embryos 4 percentage weight gains were similar in the NIC and the broiler strains at embryonic (ED) 18. There was no difference (P&gt;0.05) in the rate of albumen utilization among the strains. At hatching, there was no difference ((P&gt;0.05) in the metabolic rate among the strains of chicken as shown by the levels of plasma T until later in the 4 growth phase. The day-old chick weight and the weights in subsequent weeks posthatch were smaller in the NIC than the broiler strains possibly as a result of low hatching weight and growth rate of the NIC in the first two weeks post-hatch. The early growth difference could not be explained by physiological parameters such as T . However, the differences in post-hatch physiological and metabolic parameters 4 may be due partly to genetic differences. It was concluded that embryonic development in the broiler strain was not superior to that of the NIC.

Variations in growth performance traits and economic analysis of two Nigerian indigenous chicken strains and their crossbred

This study was undertaken to compare growth performance and economics of production of two Nigerian indigenous chicken strains andtheircrossbred.The parent lines of theNigerian indigenous chicken population used consisted of two strains, the normal feather (NF)and the naked neck(NN),obtained from pure bred strains of Nigerian indigenous chickens maintained at the Directorate of University farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Three genetic groups comprising a combination of NF male X NN female (GG1), NN male X NN female (GG2) and NN male X NF female (GG3) were used for the study. The results revealed that though chicks from GG2 were heavier (P&lt;0.05) than others at hatch, those from GG3 had higher specific growth rate (4.36 and 5.59% greater than values obtained for GG1 and GG2 respectively) which translated to heavier body weight (1116.55g) at 12 weeks of age. Quantity of feed consumed was similar (P&gt;0.05) among the three groups. Birds from GG3 were however, able to utilize feed consumed by 11.21 and 12.93% more efficiently than GG1 and GG2 respectively. Feed cost per kg weight gain was least for GG3 ( 520) with gross margin of 132.35 and 133.43 above GG1 and GG2 respectively. GG3 had the best profitability index and return on investment. Crossbreeding naked neck and normal feather showed superiority in growth and economic returns and is therefore recommended in breeding/production programmes targeted at expanding Nigerian indigenous chicken production.

Genetic response to short-term index selection in females and mass selection in males of the Nigerian heavy local chicken ecotype

The study aimed to determine genetic gain in growth and egg production in the Nigerian indigenous chicken (NIC) subjected to multiple trait index selection for females and mass selection for males. The experimental birds (G generation) were generated from a reference 0 population of NIC and reared according to sire families from hatch. At point of lay, females were housed individually in laying cages for egg production. Hens were selected based on index scores calculated using an index of weighted breeding values constructed from own performance in body weight at first egg (BWFE), egg weight (EW) and egg production (EN), trait heritabilities and relative economic weights while cocks were selected based on own performance in body weight at 39 weeks of age (BW ). Selected parents were mated to 39 generate the G generation which in turn yielded the parents of the G generation. A control 1 2 population was used to measure environmental effects. Data were analyzed using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) computer programme. For hens, expected average direct genetic gain per generation was 12.58, 2.98g and 25.04g for EN, EW and BWFE, respectively while realized genetic gain was 2.19 and 1.59 for EN, 1.65 and 0.26g for EW, and -25.60 and 123.64g for BWFE for G and G generations, respectively. The corresponding 0 1 values for ratio of realized to expected genetic gains were 2.27 and 1.22, 3.15 and 0.24, and 0.95 and 2.21, respectively. Heritability (h2) ranged from 0.12 to 0.24 for EN, 0.34 to 0.43 for EW and 0.57 to 0.69 for BWFE, across the three generations. Similar improvements in BW 39 were observed in males with an average expected gain of 508.50g per generation. In conclusion, growth and egg production in the NIC can be improved using mass selection for cocks and index of weighted breeding values for hens.

Influence of strain and production cycle on egg quality traits of two Nigerian indigenous chicken strains

Records obtained from purebred normal feather and naked neck Nigerian indigenous chicken strains were used to assess the influence of strain and production cycle on external and internal egg quality traits. The assessment commenced from first lay to 120 days of lay, classified into four production cycles (PC): PC1 (1-30 days of lays), PC2 (31-60 days of lays), PC3 (61-90 days of lays), and PC4 (91-120 days of lays). Mean egg weight, length and breadth were 4.34% heavier, 2.10% longer and 1.72% wider in the normal feather than in the naked neck (p&lt;0.05). No disparity due to strain effect was found in egg shape index. Eggshells from the two strains had similar weight but varied in thickness with shells from the naked neck being 0.02mm thicker than those from the normal feather (p&lt;0.05). Eggs from the normal feather were 7.13, 5.76, 5.00, 7.10 and 8.11% superior in albumen weight, yolk height, albumen height, yolk index, and albumen index, respectively compared to its naked neck counterpart (p&lt;0.05). Production cycle significantly influenced all external egg quality studied. An increase of 16.21% in egg weight was obtained by PC4. Egg length and breadth increased consistently with each subsequent PC (p&lt;0.05) whereas egg shape index decreased with PC (p&lt;0.05). Higher values were recorded for yolk weight, yolk and albumen length and width in each subsequent production cycle. Haugh unit, yolk and albumen height had best values at PC2. Our findings indicate that strain type and production cycle highly influenced egg quality traits of Nigerian indigenous chickens with the normal feather showing superiority. Furthermore, the best internal quality was obtained at PC2 (31-60 days of lay). Our findings could be useful in choosing selection criterion traits in breeding plans for the development of different layer lines of normal feather and naked neck.

Physiological response of Nigerian indigenous cocks fed diet with graded levels of tumeric (Cucumma longa)

This study was conducted to evaluate the physiological response of Nigerian indigenous chicken (cock) fed graded levels of Tumeric Rhizome Powder (TRP). Sixty (60) adult local cocks divided into 4 groups with 15 birds in each group, replicated into 3 of 5 birds per replicate in each treatment group were used for the study. The birds in the experimental groups designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4 were fed with TRP supplemented diet at various inclusion levels of 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%, respectively for 8 weeks. From the results obtained, the growth performance and the relative organ yields were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) enhanced, with an average weight of 121.33 ± 14.70 of the experimental birds in the Turmeric groups. The nutrient digestibility was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved with TRP supplemented diet. The result of the organ weight recorded showed the weight of the visceral organs such as heart, liver, lungs, spleen, pancreas and the gizzard relative to body weight were not significantly (p&gt; 0.05) affected by the turmeric supplemented diet compared with the control group, whereas the dressed weight, the size of the kidney, proventriculus and the gall bladder relative to body weight were significantly (p&lt; 0.05) increased, although no statistical difference between the 0.25% and 0.75% inclusion groups compared with the control group. The significant (p&lt; 0.05) increase in the size of proventriculus which is responsible for the mechanical storage of the ingested feed could be attributed to the effect of turmeric supplemented diet compared to control. Also, the gall bladder contained significantly (p&lt; 0.05) increased volume of the bile. In conclusion, Turmeric powder supplemented diet at 0.25 and 0.5 % inclusions performed better in improving the growth of Nigerian indigenous cocks, although care should be exercised in prolonged supplementation above 0.5 % inclusion to prevent its deleterious effect on the blood profile. From the findings in this study, to achieve a better growth performance of the Nigerian indigenous cocks with little or no effect on the relative organ weight, 0.5 % inclusion level is highly recommended.