COMPARATIVE EGG PERFORMANCE OF TWO NIGERIAN CHICKEN ECOTYPES UNDER TWO SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Genetic study on comparative performance of two Nigerian indigenous chicken ecotypes under two management systems were undertaken using a total of 110 (55 each) birds comprising of 10 hens and1 cock from five randomly selected locations each for Tiv and Fulani chicken ecotypes. The birds were hatched and raised using standard procedures. The data collected were analysed using SPSS statistical package. The result obtained indicated that ecotype, management and location as well as their interactions had significant (P< 0.05) effect on AFE in both ecotypes. AFE had the highest R2 value (0.790) compared to 0.340 and 0.456, respectively for BWFE and WFE. Birds in deep litter system laid eggs earlier compared to those in the battery cage in both ecotypes. Fulani chickens on deep litter laid eggs 12 days earlier compared to their counterpart raised in the battery cage. Similarly, Tiv birds on deep litter laid eggs 40 days earlier than those on battery cage. Also, both the Tiv and the Fulani birds raised in the deep litter laid eggs 27 days earlier compared battery cage (198.30±2.51 days against 224.61±2.20 days). From the findings of this research it was recommended that Tiv and Fulani chickens should be raised on deep litter for commercial egg production.