PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN REARED ON SORGHUM-BASED RATIONS UNDER THREE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WESTERN AND NORTH-RIFT REGIONS, KENYA

Abstract

Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) contribute to nutritional requirements, socio-cultural benefits, and welfare of smallholder farmers. Maize as an energy source in chicken feed is becoming unrealistic due to high costs and competition with humans; therefore, alternatives like low-tannin sorghum should be considered. Semi-arid conditions in Western Kenya make sorghum a viable option. Objectives of this study were to determine performance of IIC on sorghum-based rations under three production systems and investigate socio-economic drivers of IIC rearing in Busia, Siaya and Uasin Gishu Counties. A randomized complete block experimental design with split-plot arrangement of treatments determined nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and growth of 390, 4-week-old IIC for 12 weeks. Diets consisted T1 (50%), T2 (75%), RUC26 sorghum variety inclusion levels, T3 – a commercial feed designated as Control and T4 was Free-range feeding. Farmers were purposively selected; those practicing Semi-intensive and Intensive production systems received one of the diets, while Free-range farmers received none. Field survey investigated socio-economic dynamics from forty-five purposively selected sorghum-growing and chicken-rearing farmers supplied eight Rainbow Rooster growers. Nutrient composition showed significant differences (p<0.05) among diets for crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre and metabolizable energy. Crude protein was highest (15.15%) in T1. Metabolizable energy (3616 Kcal/Kg) and lysine (0.86%) were highest in T2. Growth of IIC was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets and production systems. Diet T1 had higher (694.56g) weight gain than T3 (668.02g), which significantly differed (p<0.05) from T2 (618.83g). Weight gain in Intensive system was significantly (p<0.05) higher (880.26g) than Free-range (424.94g) and Semi-intensive (416.25g) systems. Survey showed that most (36%) farmers’ age ranged from 30 to 39 years, with majority (58%) being female. Management practices adopted most were veterinarian services (76%) and poultry housing (67%). The IIC breed was highly (69%) preferred, with 58% having 1 to 15 birds flock size. Most (69%) farmers purchased feeds, majorly (24%) being chick mash. Home-grown rations were formulated by majority (71%), with maize (71%) intensely used than sorghum (51%). Feed cost per kilogram of T1 (63 KSh) and T2 (59 KSh) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than T3 (70 KSh). Most (64%) farmers did not incur marketing costs. Egg and chicken sales were high at 78%, and domestic consumption of chicken products was 98%.

Diet T1 met minimum nutrient requirements, promoted high growth, and was cost- effective. Growth was best in intensive system, and IIC breed was highly preferred.

Farmers should grow RUC26 sorghum for chicken feed.