Chicken Production System, Reproductive Performance, Opportunities and Associated Challenges in Fogera District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to characterize and describe village chicken production system, reproductive performance, opportunities and associated challenges in Fogera distinct south Gonder zone of Ethiopia. for this study four kebeles from this district and 160 households from each kebele were selected using purposive sampling method a survey was conducted on 40 selected households to describe the village chicken production system reproductive performance and management practice. In majority of the households (80%) were male responsible for chicken rearing and 100% of the respondents in the study area mange chickens extensively. Night shelter was provided by all farmers mostly 92.5% on perch bamboo cage (5%) and purposely made house (2.5%). Almost all respondents (95%) provided feed supplement and 100% of the respondents provide water to their chicken. on average hens and cock reach at sexual maturity per month 4.8 and 4.45 months respectively. the average number of eggs per clutch per hen in the study area was 11 and the average number of eggs incubated per hen was 8.75. The average hatchability was 79.6%.  All the respondents (100%) in the study area obtained their initial chick stock by purchasing and 55% and 45% of the respondents in the study area obtained replacement stock by hatching and purchasing respectively. All respondents (100%) in the study area responded new castle disease outbreak. About 25% respondents used extension service in poultry production and 100% of the respondents had an interest to expand the production

Keywords: chicken, production, reproductive performance, opportunities challenges