Institute of Rural Development Planning, P.O. Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
Lwelamira, J., Institute of Rural Development Planning, P.O. Box 138, Dodoma, Tanzania; Kifaro, G.C., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Gwakisa, P., Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
A study was carried out to evaluate various breeding scenarios geared at improving performance of Kuchi chicken ecotype of Tanzania, a type of native chicken found in drier area of north-west part of the country, for production under extensive (village) management conditions. The purpose of these breeding scenarios was mainly to improve body weight at 16 weeks of age (Bwt16). In some breeding scenarios, primary antibody response against Newcastle disease virus vaccine (Ab) was also considered. Depending on a breeding scenario, results from the present study indicate that it would take approximately 5 to 10 generations of selection, which corresponds to around 3 to 6 years of selection for improving Bwt16 either singly or together with Ab from their current population mean of 974g and 4.8 (HIlog2) to the desired population mean of 1300g and 6(HIlog2), respectively (i.e. improvement by 34 and 25%, respectively). Depending on gain per generation, number of years required to attain the desired mean, expected fitness under village conditions and costs of breeding, some breeding scenarios were recommended.