Abstract:
This study was conducted in Wabinyonyi Sub county in Nakasongola district in Central Uganda. In March 2013 to characterize the indigenous chicken production system. It was a survey using a structured questionnaire to collect responses from 144 indigenous chicken farmer households. Data collected was analysed using SPSS. The dominant (87%) production system was extensive (scavenging) with the majority (91%) practicing seasonal supplementation with home grown grains and household food leftovers. The purpose of chicken production was mainly sale for income and home consumption (87%) the average flock size per household was 15-30 birds Only 83% of chicken owners prepared separate overnight houses for birds and the test (17%) kept birds in various night sheltering places; Almost all (93%) of interviewed chicken owners experienced chicken disease problems especially Newcastle. The average age of cockerels at first mating and pullets at first egg were 5,6 and 7 months respectively. The average number of eggs laid/batch was 13-16. Number of times a hen hatches per year was 3-4. Average number of eggs incubated/hen was 10-12 and 8-10 chicks on average were hatched. Slaughter age of cock and a hen were 7-8 and 7-12 months, respectively. Only 47%· practice selection of birds for breeding and the cock is used for 2-3 years for breeding purposes. Women were the major responsible members of the household involved in various chicken husbandry activities. Despite the many problems involved in IC keeping, relatively promising performance of the local thickens in the study area was observed which is explained in terms of relatively good egg production per batch; number of batches per year and the relatively low ages at sexual maturity. The productivity of scavenging birds in the study area can be enhanced by simple changes in management techniques that promote improvement in productivity and reduce mortality.
