Scavenging Chickens Research Articles

Global and regional prediction of coccidiosis and ascaridiosis prevalence in extensive backyard chickens in low-income and middle-income countries

Backyard chickens usually have open housing and scavenge for food, facilitating contact with infective forms of parasites present in the environment and increasing the risk of parasitic infections. Coccidiosis and ascaridiosis are two internal parasites in scavenging chickens that cause production losses to farmers. Prevalence data of these two diseases are scarce in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) but necessary to assess the burden of disease in backyard chickens. This study estimates the clinical prevalence of coccidiosis and ascaridiosis at the country and regional levels in all LMICs using regression imputation methods. Regression models were developed with data of known prevalence of these parasites and using primarily climatic factors as predictors. A binomial random effects model was developed for each disease to impute prevalence. The overall estimated prevalence of coccidiosis was 0.39 (95 % CI: 0.37–0.42), with a higher mean prevalence in tropical countries. The overall estimated prevalence of ascaridiosis was 0.23 (95 % CI: 0.22–0.25) with a higher mean prevalence in countries with tropical, temperate and continental climates. The findings of this study can aid to identify the burdens of coccidiosis and ascaridiosis infections across countries and regions, which can inform disease control plans and, and encourage international alliances to facilitate access to preventive measures, improving animal health and reducing production losses.

Nutritional status and growth performance of Fijian non-descript local chickens and their crosses with broilers under different production systems

The study compared nutrient intake and growth performance of local chickens to that of local x broiler crossbreds under scavenging and indoor conventional systems. A total of 48 male and 48 female chickens for each of the two chicken types were allocated to four outdoor free-range pens. The chickens were allowed to scavenge whilst being supplemented with sorghum plus kitchen waste and broiler growers from week 5 to week 13 of age. The same design was repeated using the indoor conventional system. Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had higher growth rates under the scavenging system than the indoor production system (P < 0.05). Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had the same growth rates when fed the same diet (P > 0.05). Crop and gizzard contents from local chickens had the same crude protein as their crosses with broilers under both systems (P > 0.05). The crude protein values of crop and gizzard contents ranged from 25.4 to 30.4%. Crop and gizzard contents from scavenging chickens had energy content ranging from 16.2 to 17.1 MJ/Kg which was lower (P < 0.05) than that from chickens under the indoor conventional system (20.3 to 25.8 kJ/Kg). Iron content ranged from 655.7 to 1619.4 mg/Kg in scavenging chickens and 156.1 to 621.4 mg/Kg in enclosed chickens. Chickens of the same type had higher iron content in their crop and gizzard contents under the scavenging system than the conventional system (P < 0.05). Crossbreds between local chickens and broilers matches the scavenging abilities of the local chickens but have lower growth rates under the scavenging system.

Gross and microscopic changes associated with intestinal parasitism of local scavenging chickens in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

A survey of intestinal parasitism and gross and microscopic lesions in local scavenging chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) was carried out at the Maiduguri live bird market. A total of 100 intestinal samples were collected from the slaughter slab immediately after slaughter for gross, microscopic and parasitological examinations using standard procedures. Out of the 100 intestinal samples collected 56% were found to be harbouring helminthes ranging from Ascaridia spp (18%), Heterakis spp (8%), Rallietina spp (13%), Choanotaenia spp (3%) and Hymenolepis spp (3%). Others showed mixed infections of two or more parasites at 11%. The prevalence was higher in adult chickens (46%) than in young chickens (10%) and also higher in males (34%) than in females (22%). Gross lesions observed included nodule formation, haemorrhages and nodular/haemorrhagic lesions; while microscopic lesions seen included matting and stunting of intestinal villi, loss of crypts and goblet cell hyperplasia. Others were epithelial desquamation and necrosis with leucocytic aggregation and circumscribed eosinophilic aggregation in the submucosa. Conclusively, the overall prevalence of 56% of intestinal parasitism observed among local scavenging chickens in the study suggests endemicity of the disease condition in the study area. Also, age and sex appear to be risk factors associated with the incidence of intestinal parasitism in local scavenging chickens. Therefore, there is a need to apply strict biosecurity and good sanitary measures coupled with regular deworming of birds to serve as control and preventive measures. This will help to boost production, improve the economy and provide more protein to the populace.

Predation and theft: the standing threats of the scavenging chicken production system

Indigenous Village Chickens (IVCs) obtain most of their feed from a scavenging feed resource base. Free roaming makes IVCs express their instincts at will, which could enhance their welfare. Free-ranging has also endowed IVCs with excellent explorative behavior. However, predators might have also co-evolved, which necessitates special interference from smallholder farmers to reduce the adverse impact of predators. This study identified the main predators of IVCs and the evading strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. This cross-sectional study involved a general interview with 119 smallholder farmers. The prevalence of enset, Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman, around the farmer's backyard can impose a significant threat because it shelters terrestrial predators. Smallholder farmers evade predators through patrolling, guarding dogs, fencing, confinement, and, in rare cases, killing. An unplanned conversation made with an informant revealed that men with some clerical ability but no priesthood title incantate on whole grains of black wheat. When the chicken is fed this grain, reportedly, the aerial predator becomes weak and cannot catch the chicken. The agroecological zone has a statistically significant impact on the proportions of predators encountered and the types of evading strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. This association entails the need for developing agroecology-based predator-evading methods. Predators' evading methods, however, need to be refined further to reduce the recurrent losses of chickens. The threats associated with predators' challenges must be thoroughly investigated to advance their evading strategies. Another problem that leads to the significant loss of family poultry is theft. In addition to the strategies used to avoid predators, which may also apply to controlling theft, the legal system must be well-organized to punish such misdeeds.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SCAVENGING CHICKENS HOLDERS AND THEIR BEHAVIOR AFFECTING CHICKENS REARING IN EASTERN GEZIRA STATE, SUDAN

This study was aimed to detect the relationship between personal characteristics of the respondents and their behavior affecting scavenging chickens rearing in Eastern Gezira State, Sudan. Variables of study involved two; personal characteristics of the respondents such as (gender, age, educational level, membership of social organizations and job) and their behavior regarding chickens rearing such as ( caging, feeding, selection process and chicks separation). Population is constructed of three; administrative units population, villages population and respondents population. Using the stratified sample technique, the study sample also constructed of three; administrative units sample, villages sample and respondents sample, which was selected randomly. Data were collected by using questionnaire through field interview. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for data analysis specifically, descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The study was concluded to the following; 43.3% of the respondents were found as chickens holders, most of them were female, moderate age, had a secondary education and above, not a member in social organizations. Respondents who reared chickens were female house holder and students, they used traditional cages, they cared about their chickens feeding, they did not cared about selection process and did not separated chicks from their mothers. Furthermore, gender is related only to chickens separation, while membership is related to caging, chickens separation and selection process. Finally, the research recommends: Attention should be offered to respondents who responsible of chickens rearing in designing special messages and programs for them. Encouragement of the respondents to engage and formulate social societies and bodies for chickens rearing and services. Encouragement of the respondents to improve and construct modern cages for better chickens rearing and protection. And orientating the respondents towards chickens separation and in selection processes for achieving better chickens rearing. Keywords: Personal Characteristics, Scavenging Chickens Holders, Behavior, Rearing

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Training Offered to Smallholder Scavenging Chicken Farmers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Smallholder scavenging chicken farmers (SCFs) are constantly faced with the challenge of improving productivity. One profound challenge is that many SCFs lack comprehensive knowledge and the skills necessary for operating an efficient production system. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the training offered to SCFs in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality (RMLM) on the best approach to improve scavenging chicken production. The data obtained was analysed quantitatively to assess differences in the management practices of the trained farmers before training (BT) and after training (AT). A paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to conduct the study’s analysis. The results showed that the average flock size of the birds significantly increased post-training. There was a significant increase in the farmers’ use of supplementary feeding, local feedstuffs, artificial brooding and care of chicks, amongst other practices. These results indicate a marked improvement in their management practices post-training. Therefore, building the capacities of SCFs through training significantly improves their knowledge and skillsets. Periodic training of SCFs is recommended to keep them abreast of evolving management practices in SC production, as continual improvement in related competencies is important for enhancing local and national economic development.

Ecological niche modelling for delineating livestock ecotypes and exploring environmental genomic adaptation: The example of Ethiopian village chicken

In evolutionary ecology, an “ecotype” is a population that is genetically adapted to specific environmental conditions. Environmental and genetic characterisation of livestock ecotypes can play a crucial role in conservation and breeding improvement, particularly to achieve climate resilience. However, livestock ecotypes are often arbitrarily defined without a detailed characterisation of their agro-ecologies. In this study, we employ a novel integrated approach, combining ecological niche modelling (ENM) with genomics, to delineate ecotypes based on environmental characterisation of population habitats and unravel the signatures of adaptive selection in the ecotype genomes. The method was applied on 25 Ethiopian village chicken populations representing diverse agro-climatic conditions. ENM identified six key environmental drivers of adaptation and delineated 12 ecotypes. Within-ecotype selection signature analyses (using Hp and iHS methods) identified 1,056 candidate sweep regions (SRs) associated with diverse biological processes. While most SRs are ecotype-specific, the biological pathways perturbed by overlapping genes are largely shared among ecotypes. A few biological pathways were shared amongst most ecotypes and the genes involved showed functions important for scavenging chickens, e.g., neuronal development/processes, immune response, vision development, and learning. Genotype-environment association using redundancy analysis (RDA) allowed for correlating ∼33% of the SRs with major environmental drivers. Inspection of some strong candidate genes from selection signature analysis and RDA showed highly relevant functions in relation to the major environmental drivers of corresponding ecotypes. This integrated approach offers a powerful tool to gain insight into the complex processes of adaptive evolution including the genotype × environment (G × E) interactions.

Physiological Response, Haematology and Stress Condition of Scavenging Chickens in Cement Production Areas

ABSTRACT This study investigated the physiological and stress indices of scavenging chickens in LAFARGE and Dangote cement factories located at Ewekoro and Ibese, respectively and respective adjourning communities of Ogun State, Nigeria. One hundred adult scavenging chickens comprising of 25 from each location were used. The birds were caught at night on their perch and kept in furnished cages till the next morning. Data were collected on their rectal temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate . Also 5 mL blood was collected through the wing vein of each chicken. Highest (p < 0.05) pulse rate (215.64 beat/minute) and respiratory rate (19.90 breath/minute) were recorded among the chickens at LAFARGE area. Highest (p < 0.05) packed cell volume (28.06%), hemoglobin (4.01 g/dL), monocyte (4.28%) and glucose (256.53 g/dL) were recorded among ones at Ibese (Dangote). White blood cell (6488.89 × 103µL) was highest (p < 0.05) in chickens at Ewekoro (LAFARGE). The study concluded that cement factories infringe on health status of scavenging chickens in the domains. Effective environmental mitigation programme should be put in place for enhanced welfare of the birds.

Prevalence of Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Village Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from Kwami, Gombe State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites in village chickens in Kwami, Gombe State, Nigeria using microscopy and the associated risk factors using structured questionnaires. To achieve this goal, blood samples were collected from 346 apparently healthy village chickens in Kwami of Gombe State, and a total of 45 farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Microscopy revealed an overall prevalence of 20.8% (72/346) for haemosporidian parasites comprising of Plasmodium spp. with 41 (11.8%; 95% CI = 8.9 – 15.7) and Haemoproteus spp. 23 (6.6%; 95% CI = 4.5 – 9.8) as single infection and mixed infection of Plasmodium + Haemoproteus spp. having 8 (2.3%; 95% CI = 1.2 – 4.5). Prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites was significantly higher in male (13.9%) compared to hens (6.9%), as well as in adults (14.50%) compared to growers (6.4%). The prevalence was also found to be higher in the rainy season (15.6%) compared to the dry (5.2%) seasons of the study period. Questionnaire survey on attitude and practice of the village chicken farmers in the study area has shown that village chicken are raised under the extensive management system and are reared with other village poultry species on free range. Inadequate biosecurity, poor management and husbandry systems constituted the predisposing risk factors associated with haemoparasite infections in this study.&#x0D; Key words: Haemosporidian parasites; Avian malaria, Microscopy, Scavenging Chickens; Kwami, Gombe State

Dynamics of Poultry Production System, Constraints, Opportunities and Marketing in Ethiopia

The objectives this paper focuses on thedynamic ofpoultry production system constraints, opportunities and marketing system in the Ethiopia in the form of summary from past, recent and/or current studies. Currently, Ethiopia poultry production systems are classified into industrial and integrated/medium- and large-scale intensive systems and family poultry production systems (i.e. the small-scale intensive is characterized specialized, commercial day-old chicks (DOCs) or pullets (200–1 000 broilers, 100–500 layers), commercial balanced rations and good quality houses. semi-intensive is characterized by flocks ranging from 50 to 200 birds, using commercial, crossbred or indigenous breeds reared under scavenging management conditions with regular supplementation., extensive scavenging is characterized ranging from 5 to 50 birds comprised of indigenous and/or crossbred chickens and it is practiced by households having access to rural markets and small-extensive scavenging systemsit is based on a flock size of 1–5 indigenous chickens kept under scavenging conditions.The national average flock size of chicks, cockerels, pullet, hen, cocks, and total chicken per households were 5.3, 1.3, 1.7, 4, 1.5 and 11.1, respectively in Ethiopia. All scavenging chicken producer practice supplementary feeding (100%) from all type of feed, supplemented maize account (63%). It needs incorporate protein source feed at dry season. Keywords: Production system, Ethiopia, chicken, productivity DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/77-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2021

Comparative study of growth performance of Deshi, Fayoumi, RIR and Sonalichicken reared under farm and semi scavenging condition

The objectives of the study to compare the growth performance of Deshi, Fayoumi, RIR and Sonali chicken reared under farm and semi scavenging. A total of 288 day-old chicks (72 from Deshi, 72 Fayoumi, 72 RIR and 72 Sonali) were used in this trial for a period of 20 weeks of age with 4 genotypes. 144 chicks were reared under farm condition and another144 chicks were under semi scavenging system. In farm, birds were fed ad libitum a commercial starter and grower feed. In semi scavenging at first 5 weeks, each chick was fed 10g balanced feed and maximum supplement was 50g up to the end of the experiment. This study revealed that day-old chick weight was the highest in RIR, intermediate and similar in Sonali and Fayoumi and the lowest in Deshi (P 0.05). The highest live weight was found in RIR followed by Sonali, Fayoumi and Deshi at 20 weeks of age. All genotypes were heavier in farm than in those reared in semi scavenging except Deshi. Live weight gained at 20 weeks of age was the highest in RIR followed by Sonali, Fayoumi and Deshi (P<0.01). Deshi chicken was heavier in semi scavenging in comparison with in farm condition. Similar and higher survival rate was found in Sonali, Fayoumi and RIR and lower in Deshi (P<0.01). In farm condition, survivability was higher than in semi scavenging. Farm reared Deshi chicken tended to minimize survivability than those reared in semi scavenging. Feed intake was similar and higher in RIR and Sonali, intermediate in Fayoumi and the lowest in Deshi (P<0.01). Superior feed conversion was found in RIR followed by Sonali, Fayoumi and Deshi. Feed conversion was higher in semi scavenging than that in farm (P<0.01). From the study it is concluded that growth rate, survivability, feed intake and feed conversion ratio appeared to be the best in RIR, Sonali in intermediate and Fayoumi and Deshi are the worst in growth performance. Farm reared chicken had better potential than those in semi scavenging chicken. Deshi chicken had little difference in growth performance in two rearing systems.

Morphological characteristics of native chicken of village Chhajjian, Haripur Pakistan

:The present study was conducted to describe the variations in morphological characteristics of different selected populations of indigenous chickens. Five populations of chickens in different (localities) of Chhajjian, KP, Pakistan, were studied based on qualitative traits recorded for a total of 100 chickens. Each of the study populations contains multiple variants of plumage colors and other physical features. The average flock size was observed to be 38. Predominant plumage color was grayish and other mixtures along with different percentages in different localities. Pea comb was the dominant comb type in all localities. Most of the chickens were yellow skinned. Males in all populations were heavier and taller than the females. This recorded variation in morphological traits will help in the conservation of these chickens.

Prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in scavenging chickens (Gallus domesticus) and their association to body weight

Abstract. Riwidiharso E, Darsono, Setyowati EA, Pratiknyo H, Sudiana E, Santoso S, Yani E, Widhiono I. 2020. Prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in scavenging chickens (Gallus domesticus) and their association to body weight. Biodiversitas 21: 3163-3169. Domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus) which are traditionally fed by scavenging on farms predispose them to ectoparasites infestation. In this study, a preliminary survey was conducted on the common ectoparasites on G. domesticus in the rural areas of Banyumas. The purposes of this study were to determine the diversity of ectoparasites, their prevalence, and their relationship to the chickens body weight. This research was conducted by the survey method from December 2019 to April 2020 in five villages around the city of Purwokerto, Banyumas District, Central Java, Indonesia viz., Kedungwuluh, Kedungwringin, Kutasari, Karangsalam, and Karanggintung. Data analysis was conducted by Shannon Wiener and Evenness indexes. Analysis of variance was used to calculate the difference in prevalence among sample locations. Regression correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between prevalence and chicken body weight. The results showed that there were six ectoparasite species i.e., Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus cornutus, Lipeurus caponis, Dermanysus gallinae, Megninia ginglymura, and Haemaphysallis sp. parasitizing G. domesticus. The number of ectoparasite individuals among locations was significantly different (F 5.59 &lt; 32.45; p &lt;0.05). The most number of ectoparasite was found in Karangsalam (272 individuals). The most prevalent ectoparasite was M. cornutus (45%), followed by L. caponis (40%), and the lowest was M. synglineura (25%). Ectoparasite prevalence was associated with chicken weight loss (r = 0.98). The prevalence of ectoparasite of domestic chickens farm in the Banyumas Regency is classified as low but has the potential to influence body weight.

English

This study is aimed at characterizing scavenging and intensive chicken production system in Lume district of East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Random samplings were employed to select sample kebeles and purposively select respondents based on numbers of chicken population in scavenging and production system (intensive) to identify the specific challenges affecting chicken production. Questionnaires were administered on three kebeles and 90 respondents’ from scavenging chicken keepers, and 10 intensive farms were interviewed. The respondents’ were stratified into 1st, 2nd and 3rd strata having 1-10, 11-20 or 21-49 chicken, respectively. Chicken houses were constructed with material stone wall and grass roof (40%). From the total respondents, those not cleaning the chicken house were 45.6%. Also, while mother took charge of sharing and offering feed for chicken, selling egg and chicken at 53 68, and 50%, respectively; and father is largely responsible for shelter constriction (17%); both mother and father participated nearly equally (29 and 28%) in purchasing drug for chicken. All respondents provided supplementary feed and water for their chicken with majority (63%) of feed supplemented being maize. Moreover, it was observed that feed supplementation can only improve egg production and growth (26.7%) in summer (July - September) session if supplemented most often (78.9%). Average egg productions per year were 76.4±3.4 whereas average age of cockerel at first mating and pullet first egg laying were 24.4±7.3 and 24.2±4.0, respectively. When the number of scavenging chicken in the household is increased, ownership pattern of males also increase. From the interviewed intensive farm, 50% joined in broiler and layer production system. There were so many opportunities available for intensive production; however, these were challenged by different factors in the study area. Overcoming the constraints of intensive production like high price of feed, poor quality and lack of sustainable market, as well as increased numbers of improved chicken per household with the minimum of 3rd strata will be able to ensure sustainable protein food source. Further research is necessary on how to increase number of chicken per households under scavenging production system. Key words: Intensive, scavenging, production system, strata.

Feeding status of free-range scavenging chickens in different agro-climatic regions of India

ABSTRACT1. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status of backyard chickens reared under 4 different agro-climatic conditions (tropical, humid subtropical, cool-temperate and semi-arid) of India during different seasons of the year and to compare their nutritional status with those reared under confined feeding system (CFS). In each season, 15 adult and 15 grower chickens were slaughtered for collecting content of crop and gizzard to assess the nutritional status from different agro-climatic conditions.2. The dry matter content of crop and gizzard was higher (P < 0.01) in chickens reared under backyard conditions compared to those reared under CFS.3. Higher (P < 0.01) crop and gizzard contents were recorded during winter compared to the rainy season. The proportion of grains in the crop during summer and winter season was higher compared to rainy season. Further, there were more insects present in the crop during the rainy season and winter compared to summer.4. The proportion of insects was higher in chickens reared in humid, subtropical and cool temperate regions compared to semi-arid conditions. The consumption of grasses was higher in cool-temperate regions as compared to those reared under other areas.5. Crude protein (CP), Ca, P and gross energy (GE) content of the crop were higher in chickens reared under CFS compared to those reared in backyard systems and CP in the crop contents was lower in backyard chickens reared in humid subtropical and semi-arid regions compared to other areas. Similarly, lower (P < 0.01) Ca levels were seen in crop and gizzard contents from birds reared in semi-arid Rajasthan, and P and GE were lower in tropical wet and dry Telangana (TWT) compared to the chickens reared in the backyard conditions in other regions.6. Based on the results, the nutrient intake for birds utilising the scavenging feed resource base (SFRB) in the TWT region was below the requirements of backyard chickens from the other regions selected in the present study. GE and CP were critically deficient in the SFRB of the TWT region. Therefore, evolving location-specific supplementary diets using locally available feed resources to meet nutrient requirement of backyard chickens is required for optimising production potential.

Assessment of the nutritional quality of crop contents of scavenging local chickens in Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria

The nutritional quality of feed resource available to indigenous or local scavenging chickens reared in four villages (Mbiabam-Ibiono, Ekpene-Ukim, Ibiaku-Issiet and Utu-Abak) in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria using their crop contents was assessed. A total of 56 local chickens (cocks and hens) purchased from the four villages were slaughtered, defeathered and eviscerated. Their full crop contents were collected separately, oven dried at 70°C to constant weights and subjected to proximate, mineral and vitamin analyses. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The weight of fresh crop contents (16.5 – 36.67g) and their dry matter (32.27 – 52.17%) varied significantly. The crude protein-CP (13.27 – 14.18%), ether extract (5.50 – 5.95%), ash (3.57 – 3.98%) and the crude fibre (3.10 – 3.45%) levels of the crop contents also varied significantly across villages. The CP and apparent metabolizable energy levels were lower than the reported levels and requirements for optimal performance of Nigerian indigenous chicken. Minerals (mg/100g) determined were calcium (233.30 – 235.8), iron (11.70 – 12.13), potassium (33.33 – 36.17), magnesium (43.0 – 46.67), manganese (0.043 – 0.053) and phosphorus (170.8 – 180.0); while vitamins (mg/100g) measured were ascorbic acid (14.55 – 14.92), thiamine (0.082 – 0.118), riboflavin (0.128 – 0.163), niacin (2.20 – 2.36) and β-carotene (36.87 – 43.33) that varied significantly except for calcium and magnesium that were similar. The minerals and riboflavin levels in the scavenged feed could not meet the birds’ requirements. Local birds’ diet need to be supplemented daily with concentrate or ration from locally available feed ingredients to meet their nutritional requirements for optimal performance. Awareness creation on the importance of supplementary feeding to alleviate poverty and malnutrition among the subsistent rural poultry farmers is vital. Keywords: Feed resource, proximate, minerals and vitamin composition, nutrient requirements DOI : 10.7176/ALST/76-06 Publication date :November 30 th 2019

Using phenotypic distribution models to predict livestock performance

Livestock production systems of the developing world use indigenous breeds that locally adapted to specific agro-ecologies. Introducing commercial breeds usually results in lower productivity than expected, as a result of unfavourable genotype by environment interaction. It is difficult to predict of how these commercial breeds will perform in different conditions encountered in e.g. sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we present a novel methodology to model performance, by using growth data from different chicken breeds that were tested in Ethiopia. The suitability of these commercial breeds was tested by predicting the response of body weight as a function of the environment across Ethiopia. Phenotype distribution models were built using machine learning algorithms to make predictions of weight in the local environmental conditions based on the productivity for the breed. Based on the predicted body weight, breeds were assigned as being most suitable in a given agro-ecology or region. We identified the most important environmental variables that explained the variation in body weight across agro-ecologies for each of the breeds. Our results highlight the importance of acknowledging the role of environment in predicting productivity in scavenging chicken production systems. The use of phenotype distribution models in livestock breeding is recommended to develop breeds that will better fit in their intended production environment.

English

The objective of the study was to introduce and evaluate production performance of Koekoek chicken under smallholder farmers’ management practice and enhance their household income. This on farm experiment was conducted in eastern and south eastern zone of Tigray region. About 53 food insecure smallholder farmers were selected in collaboration with the experts and village administrators. Eighty seven percent of the beneficiaries were female headed householders and the remaining 13% were male headed housed holders. Each farmer received 20 koekoek chicks 45 days old, which were grown under on-station to decrease chicken mortality. Data on live weight, egg weight, egg color, sexual maturity, hatchability, adaptability and the overall farmers’ perception on breed were collected by preparing checklist points. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. The breed was adaptable to both zones and non-selective for feed. It was also good scavenger and it could survive and give good production (meat and egg) under farmers’ management practice. The average weight was recorded as 1.33, 1.87 and 2.47 kg at five eight, eight and twelve month’s age for male koekoek, respectively, whereas 1.2, 1.64 and 1.59 kg was recorded for female at five, eight and twelve months age, respectively. The decrease in body weight of female indicates that layers chicken have decrease in weight at the time of laying and when their age increased. Sexual maturity of both male and female koekoek chickens were at 6 months. Egg production potential of the chicken was ranging from 180-240 hen-1 year1 depending on the farmers management practice mainly feeding, watering and housing. Egg weight of the koekoek chicken range from 50.63 to 53.67 g. About 87.5% of the eggs were brown and the remaining 12.5% were white. This breed has good acceptance in terms of their body weight, egg weight, adaptability to wide climatic conditions, feeding behavior and their color which has a market value. Therefore, this breed is suitable and recommended for scavenging and semi-scavenging chicken production system. Key words: Adaptability, dual chicken, exotic chicken breed.

Prevalence and identification of ectoparasites on indigenous chickens in Seharti-Samre District, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from February 2014 to February 2015 to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites and to assess risk factors in indigenous free scavenging chickens in three sub-districts of Seharti-Samre District, northern Ethiopia. Physical examination, hand picking for visible parasites, skin scraping and laboratory based identification of collected parasites were employed on systematically selected 570 indigenous chickens. An overall prevalence of 68.6% (391/570) ectoparasites with a specific prevalence of 44% (251/570), 14.4% (82/570) and 10.2% (58/570) for Echidnophaga gallinacea, Argus persicus and mixed infestations, respectively were recorded. Prevalence of A. persicus, E. gallinacea and mixed infestation showed statistically significant variation between seasons (OR=2.21, 95%, CI=1.539-3.178), housing in kitchen (OR=3.33,95%, CI=2.0228-5.486) and main house (OR=3.19, 95%, CI=1.910-5.304); age group of birds. The odds of ectoparasites infestation were 3.42 and 7.57 times higher for chick and adults compared with the growers. The current study indicated high prevalence of ectoparasites in backyard poultry management system in the study area. E.gallinacea was found to be the most prevalent ectoparasites identified followed by A. persicus. Designing and implementation of appropriate ectoparasite control measures seems mandatory in order to mitigate economical losses due to ectoparasite infestation.Keywords: Backyard; Ectoparasites; Poultry; Prevalence; Sehart-samre

Genetic Analysis of a Commercial Egg Laying Line Challenged With Newcastle Disease Virus.

In low income countries, chickens play a vital role in daily life. They provide a critical source of protein through egg production and meat. Newcastle disease, caused by avian paramyxovirus type 1, has been ranked as the most devastating disease for scavenging chickens in Africa and Asia. High mortality among flocks infected with velogenic strains leads to a devastating loss of dietary protein and buying power for rural households. Improving the genetic resistance of chickens to Newcastle Disease virus (NDV), in addition to vaccination, is a practical target for improvement of poultry production in low income countries. Because response to NDV has a component of genetic control, it can be influenced through selective breeding. Adding genomic information to a breeding program can increase the amount of genetic progress per generation. In this study, we challenged a commercial egg-laying line with a lentogenic strain of NDV, measured phenotypic responses, collected genotypes, and associated genotypes with phenotypes. Collected phenotypes included viral load at 2 and 6 days post-infection (dpi), antibody levels pre-challenge and 10 dpi, and growth rates pre- and post-challenge. Six suggestive QTL associated with response to NDV and/or growth were identified, including novel and known QTL confirming previously reported associations with related traits. Additionally, previous RNA-seq analysis provided support for several of the genes located in or near the identified QTL. Considering the trend of negative genetic correlation between antibody and Newcastle Disease tolerance (growth under disease) and estimates of moderate to high heritability, we provide evidence that these NDV response traits can be influenced through selective breeding. Producing chickens that perform favorably in challenging environments will ultimately increase the supply of quality protein for human consumption.