Participatory evaluation and demonstration of productive performance of Bovans Brown chicken under village production system in Menit Shasha Woreda, West Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Charuhurit kebele in Menit Shasha woreda West Omo Zone, south west region (SWR) Ethiopia. Before the commencement of the study need assessment was done on existing livestock production system and their constraints through conducting group discussion with pastoralists, then the pastoralists were prioritized poultry production system as major problem need immediate intervention. A pastoralist and agro-pastoralist extension research group (PAPREG) which containing 25 pastoralists were established and randomly assigned to different production system (10 intensive productions, 10 semi intensive and five extensive production system). 125 pullets of Bovan Brown chicken breed age 75 days purchased from Bushoftu Alema farm were distributed and before distribution training on housing, feeding, health and overall handling system of animals were given for pastoralists. The study revealed that high mortality rate or low survivability rate was observed before the onset egg production in the study area. There were no significant differences in age of animals before onset of egg lying, but number of egg produced every month was significantly (p < 0.05) higher between production systems. The average age at onset of egg lying was 22.10 weeks. The result shown that significantly (p < 0.05) higher number (23.77) of eggs per month per hen was recorded for intensive production system. Finally, the authors concluded that Bovan Brown chicken breed under village production in terms of their egg production performance were feasible in the study area to enhance family nutrition and income generations.