Authors: K. T.AKANNI, A.O .ADEBAMBO, M.O OZOJE, M.A DIPEOLU, F. ADEBAMBO
Gh. J. Sci. Agric. Edu. 1(1):76-87
Abstract
This study was conducted using 5 chicken genotypes comprising 3 exotic purebreds: Nera Black (NB), White leghorn (WL) and Giriraja (GR), Nigerian Local chickentstrain (L) and improved local (B Alpha crossbred). The laying performance of these chickens was monitored to evaluate genotype effect on egg production traits. The egg production traits monitored were age at first egg production, Hen-housed egg production, egg number/hen/year and laying mortality. A total of 496 pullets were evaluated for effect of genotype on laying performance throughout the experimental period. Genotypes significantly (P< 0.01) affected all production traits. Age at first egg was lowest in white leghorn (138.24+ 1.86 days), followed by Giriraja, B-Alpha, local and Nera Black with the corresponding means of 160.76+2.35,177.00+1.31,188.73+1.12 and 190.93+4.14 days respectively. Giriraja had the highest body weight at first egg (2107.00+ 4.01g) while white leghorn had the lowest (1259.62_9.83g). However, Nea black had the highest weight of first egg (48.52+0.52g) compared with 33.11+0.001g by white leghorn which was the lowest. Mean values for per year and percents laying mortality, was highest in white leghorn, while values for egg weight per bird per week, Hen-day egg production (%), egg number per hen per year and percents laying mortality, was highest in white leghorn, while values for egg weight per bird per week, Hen-housed egg production (%) ws highest in Nera black. The performance in terms of hybrid vigour exhibited by B Alpha over the two extreme parents (NB and L) however, suggested that the genetic potential of the Nigerian indiginious chickens can be effectively exploited by crossing with improved exotic strains for increased laying performance.