Local chicken production in northern Uganda: Breeding practices and flock productivity

In Uganda, the local chicken population is estimated at 44 million and these chickens play an integral role in the smallholder farming systems. Contribution of local chicken in rural household economies is mainly limited by its low output mostly because of its poor breeding and management system, which are generally unknown. The aim of the study was to identify farmers’ knowledge on breeding practices, incubation methods and disease management strategies for local chicken in Gulu and Kiryandongo districts of Uganda. A total of 120 farmers were randomly selected from the two districts. The sample comprised of 60 farmers from two sub-counties of each district. The study used a descriptive, purposive and stratified survey design with both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and was carried out in February 2013. Results from the study showed that local chicken in Gulu and Kiryandongo reach sexual maturity almost at six months for cocks and hens, with three egg laying cycles per year. The number of eggs laid per cycle between the two districts differed significantly (P<0.01) as did the number of chicks hatched per cycle (P<0.05). Breeding stock was acquired through purchases by 88.5% and 93.3% of all respondents in Kiryandongo and Gulu respectively. All farmers rely on natural incubation by hens as a mode of egg hatching in both districts. Egg incubation facilities differed widely among respondents. The grass nest was the most common type used in Kiryandongo (28.3%), while the use of grass with sand was mostly reported in Gulu (38.3%). Farmers use a variety of criteria when selecting hens and cocks for a breeding stock. Body size for both cocks and hens was a trait of great importance in the selection criteria, specifically for cocks, body height evidenced by long legs was a good physical trait for selection. In addition to the body size in females, farmers also depend on egg production history, mothering and hatching ability as selection criteria. Chicks were reported by 98% of respondents to be the age group with the highest levels of mortality. Diseases are the greatest cause of deaths among chickens followed by predators. Newcastle disease was the main disease reported by 46% (Kiryandongo) and 34% (Gulu) respondents. Most (51.7%) diseases occur in dry season in Kiryandongo while in Gulu, major incidences are during the rainy season (56.3%). Majority of the chickens in Kiryandongo and Gulu were generally local and in most homesteads, the farmers do not practice cross breeding for flock genetic improvement. However, chicken productivity could be enhanced by improved breeding management practices. This may be achieved by strengthening the livestock extension system, and prioritising chickens among the species of focus for extension packages.