Abstract

Habtamu Mulugeta, Bereket Kalid and Binyman Amare

The study was conducted from November to December 2011 in Chagni 01, 02 and 03 kebeles by using questioner survey with the aim of assessing production potential and constraints of chicken in the study area. A total of 72 households were used in the study. The 62% of the respondents were males and 38% were females. The age group was between 14 to 81 years old. The average mean number of members in the family was 4.5 and the range varies 1 to 10 in number. The 88% (n=63) of the respondents were farmers, 8% (n=6) were government workers and 4% (n=3) were daily laborers. Purpose of keeping chick was, 70 percent (n=50) to generating income, 23% (n=17) for their own consumption, 7% (n=5) either for cultural reasons or simply for leisure. The average flock size per household was 7.76. The chickens were housed permanently on 24% (n=17) of the farms, while only night shelter was provided on 73% (n=52.5) of the farms, and 3% (n=2) of the farms provided shelter for brooding only. 97% (n=70) of the respondents provide additional feed daily and others occasionally. For hatching of chicken eggs, farmers depend up on broody hens. The total number of eggs incubated using a broody hen varied from 8 - 13 and hatched 7 - 12, out which 2 - 6 chicks survived to adulthood. The total number of eggs produced ranged from 27 - 45 eggs/year/ hen, which was very low. Poultry disease was reported to be the major constraint of 58% (n=42) of respondents, followed by inadequate veterinary and extension service, high feed costs 17% (n=12) and 13% (n=9) of the farmers, respectively. In conclusion the dominant chicken production systems in the study area were the back yard extensive system with low productivity based on the local indigenous birds. Improving management techniques to promote productivity and reduce mortality were recommended.