Relief Society of Tigray RE REST (Relief society of Tigray), Department ERAD (Environment rehabilitation and agricultural department), PO Box 20, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Mekelle University, Department of Animal, Rangeland, and Wildlife Sciences, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia
Lemlem, A., Relief Society of Tigray RE REST (Relief society of Tigray), Department ERAD (Environment rehabilitation and agricultural department), PO Box 20, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Tesfay, Y., Mekelle University, Department of Animal, Rangeland, and Wildlife Sciences, PO Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia
The aim of this study was to compare age at first egg laying, hatchability, number of eggs produced per year, egg weight, body weight at 8 and 18 months, and mortality in three exotic poultry breeds (Fayoumi, Rhode Island Red, and White Leghorn) and an indigenous breed managed by rural farmers in two watersheds (Begasheka and Debre Kidan in the central zone of Tigray) in northern Ethiopia. Age at first laying varied between the two chosen watersheds, and ranged from 231-245 days. Rhode Island Red hens produced the highest number of eggs (185) while the highest hatchability was recorded in eggs produced by the indigenous (79%) and White Leghorn (76%) hens. Pullet and mature body weights were the heaviest for Rhode Island Red birds. The highest chick and pullet mortalities were observed in Fayoumi (68%) and White Leghorn (48.5%), respectively, while the highest adult mortality (52%) recorded in the indigenous birds. It is concluded that Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn can be effectively managed for egg production under scavenging condition by smallholder famers, with a need to shorten age at first egg production. The highest percentage of hatched eggs produced by the indigenous and White Leghorn hens suggests a need to further investigate the poor hatchability observed in Rhode Island Red. The high mortality rate in the four breeds should be substantially reduced through the provision of effective extension services.