PERFORMANCE OF IMPROVED INDIGENOUS CHICKEN REARED ON SORGHUM-BASED RATIONS UNDER THREE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WESTERN AND NORTH-RIFT REGIONS, KENYA

Abstract

Improved indigenous chicken (IIC) contribute to nutritional requirements, socio-cultural benefits, and welfare of smallholder farmers. Maize as an energy source in chicken feed is becoming unrealistic due to high costs and competition with humans; therefore, alternatives like low-tannin sorghum should be considered. Semi-arid conditions in Western Kenya make sorghum a viable option. Objectives of this study were to determine performance of IIC on sorghum-based rations under three production systems and investigate socio-economic drivers of IIC rearing in Busia, Siaya and Uasin Gishu Counties. A randomized complete block experimental design with split-plot arrangement of treatments determined nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and growth of 390, 4-week-old IIC for 12 weeks. Diets consisted T1 (50%), T2 (75%), RUC26 sorghum variety inclusion levels, T3 – a commercial feed designated as Control and T4 was Free-range feeding. Farmers were purposively selected; those practicing Semi-intensive and Intensive production systems received one of the diets, while Free-range farmers received none. Field survey investigated socio-economic dynamics from forty-five purposively selected sorghum-growing and chicken-rearing farmers supplied eight Rainbow Rooster growers. Nutrient composition showed significant differences (p<0.05) among diets for crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre and metabolizable energy. Crude protein was highest (15.15%) in T1. Metabolizable energy (3616 Kcal/Kg) and lysine (0.86%) were highest in T2. Growth of IIC was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets and production systems. Diet T1 had higher (694.56g) weight gain than T3 (668.02g), which significantly differed (p<0.05) from T2 (618.83g). Weight gain in Intensive system was significantly (p<0.05) higher (880.26g) than Free-range (424.94g) and Semi-intensive (416.25g) systems. Survey showed that most (36%) farmers’ age ranged from 30 to 39 years, with majority (58%) being female. Management practices adopted most were veterinarian services (76%) and poultry housing (67%). The IIC breed was highly (69%) preferred, with 58% having 1 to 15 birds flock size. Most (69%) farmers purchased feeds, majorly (24%) being chick mash. Home-grown rations were formulated by majority (71%), with maize (71%) intensely used than sorghum (51%). Feed cost per kilogram of T1 (63 KSh) and T2 (59 KSh) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than T3 (70 KSh). Most (64%) farmers did not incur marketing costs. Egg and chicken sales were high at 78%, and domestic consumption of chicken products was 98%. Diet T1 met minimum nutrient requirements, promoted high growth, and was costeffective. Growth was best in intensive system, and IIC breed was highly preferred. Farmers should grow RUC26 sorghum for chicken feed.