Survivability of Pure and Cross Bred Chickens at Early and Late Growth Phase in Nigeria Humid tropics

Abstract

Survival is a general measure of an animal’s fitness. In commercial poultry production, mortality can result from a range of conditions (disease, physiological stress, environmental condition and aggressive behaviour. The aim of this work is to evaluate Yoruba Ecotype Chicken (YEC), Sussex (SS), Goliath (GG), Marshall (MM) and crossbred with YEC for survivability in the Nigeria humid tropical climate. A total of 529 chicks were raised from day- old to 8 weeks (early growth phase) and 9 weeks to 20 weeks of age (Late growth phase). Data obtained was compiled and analysed using SPSS (2012) version 21 by using the methods of Kapler mier survivability test. The findings of the study revealed that at early growth phase, pure bred YEC x YEC had highest survivability of 91.20% while crossbred YEC x GG had the least survivalbility rate of 75.00%. The overall survivability of 86.40% was recorded at this stage. Late growth phase recorded highest survivalbility (100.00%) for cross bred YEC x GG while cross bred YEC x MM had the least survivability of 87.50% and overall was 94.10%.This study concluded that YEC are hardy while cross breeding improve the performance of YEC x GG at the late growth phase and also that probability of survival was not equal among all the examined breeds. The study recommends that YEC should be used as terminal sire in crosses involving exotic breeds for proper adaptability and performance in the Nigeria humid tropics.