Evaluation of the performance of Improved Indigenous Chicken genotypes in Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan poultry industry contributes significantly to food security, nutrition, and economic development, with indigenous chicken constituting more than 84% of the country's chicken population. The low productivity of these indigenous breeds, primarily due to poor genetics, has hindered their potential. The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organization (KALRO) developed three breeding lines of chicken: KC1, KC2, and KC3. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of genetics on the performance of two KALRO breeding lines, KC1 and KC3, and the control. This study employed a completely randomized design with four replicates per genotype. Daily feed intake and weekly body weight were recorded for 135 chicks per genotype (KC1, KC3, and control F2) from hatch to 18 weeks. General Linear Model (GLM) determined the effects of genetics, temporal factors, and their interaction on chicken performance during the chick and grower stages. Results from the study showed genetics played a major role in the amount of feed KC3 consumed, while the KC1 breeding line achieved better live weight than the control group (). Growth was substantially affected by both time and genetics. The performance evaluation in the breeding lines revealed that the KC1 and KC3 breeding lines showed a superior outcome than the control. Therefore, farmers can use the KC1 and KC3 lines as they enable better production levels. Future studies should consider evaluating the adaptability and performance of KC1 and KC3 breeding lines across diverse agroecological zones to support widespread adoption.