MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF KUCHI INDIGENOUS CHICKEN ECOTYPE UNDER THREE FEEDING SYSTEMS

Abstract

The low genetic potential and the lack of better feeding systems of the local chicken ecotypes has constrained the productivity of Indigenous chicken. Therefore, the present study was conducted to characterize the Kuchi indigenous chicken (IC) ecotype of Kenya. This ecotype has become popular for its high mature body weight. From week 9 to 30 of the Kuchi, three studies were carried out: First, were observations of some morphological traits namely: feather colours, comb types, shank colours of 18 Kuchi birds(8 cocks,10 hens) and the meat yield at 30 weeks of age of 6 birds (3cocks and 3 hens) expressed as Killing Out percentage (K O %). Second, the growth performance of Kuchi growers was evaluated under three feeding systems: Extensive (ES), Extensive with Supplementation (ESS) and Intensive (IS). Third, the growth performance of the Kuchi growers under each of the three feeding systems(ES, ESS and IS) was evaluated on the effects of three levels of energy diets: High (HE) 2700.5 MEKcal/Kg, Low (LE) 2564 MEKcal/Kg and Maize Grain (MG); The HE and LE rations were specifically formulated for the study, and then fed on a two week change-over basis from week 12 to 17;The mean weekly weights were computed and analyzed through ANOVA using SAS (2011) software tool. The first experiment involved descriptive statistics through visual appraisal and observations. No significant (p>0.05) differences among feeding systems was found. Diet LE 2564 MEKcal/kg had significant (p<0.05) effect on the growth of Kuchi growers. While diets: HE and MG had no significance (p>0.05). Diet (LE), therefore, was different (p>0.05) from diets HE and MG, respectively. In the third experiment, 27.8%, 33.4% and 39%, for Solid-one, Mixed-two and Heterogeneity–several feather colours were observed respectively. Kuchi cock and hen had 67.8% and 65.9%, KO%, respectively. It is concluded that, Kuchi IC do not need an intensified feeding system. However, a grower’s supplementation ration of about 2564.5MEKcal/Kg is required for the optimal growth of Kuchi chicken during week 12 to 17 of age. Kuchi IC ecotype exhibit large phenotypic variations in morphological traits with mature males being heavier by 1.9 % (KO %) than females of the same age. This diversity may be utilized as bases for selection towards desired breeding objectives of Kuchi and other indigenous chicken, not only in Kenya, but also other tropical countries.