Authors: K.T Akanni, O.O Oni, F.A Akinnusi, F Adebambo
Gh. J. Sci. Agric. Edu. 1(: 21-34)
Abstract
This research was conducted to investigate the effect of age and body weight at first lay on egg number and egg weight among five strains of chickens (White leghorn, Giriraja, Nera black, Local and B-Alp ha improved local) and egg quality traits. Age and body weight at first lay significantly (P<0.01) affected egg number and egg weight. The white leghorn had the highest egg number followed by Giriraja, B-Alpha, Nera black and Local in terms of age at first lay. In terms of body weight at first lay, Giriraja had the highest values followed by B-Alpha, Nera Black, white leghorn and Local respectively. Egg quality traits highly favoured Nera Black, B-Alpha and Giriraja, compared with the values obtained in White leghorn and Local. From. this result, this paper underscores the potential of the improved local chicken in terms of egg production and egg quality characteristics just like their exotic counterparts in ensuring food security, improving income and sustaining life.