Productivity and growth performance of chickens from small holder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania

Abstract

This study focused on the productivity of chickens in terms of stocking and growth performance of chickens kept by small-scale chicken holders and the associated factors in the Dodoma municipality in three wards, namely, Nkuhungu, Chang'ombe and Mnadani. A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to collect data on the perceptions of farmers raising chickens in terms of productivity. Similarly, a longitudinal survey was made by monitoring the chicks ages, ranging from 0 to 60 days (2 months). This study was used to collect data on the management performance of chicks from five selected farmers. A total of 390 individuals were interviewed, of whom 26.15% (n = 102) were from Nkuhungu, 41.28% (n = 161) from Chang'ombe, and 32.56% (n = 127) from Mnadani wards. Adult males (26 – 35 years old) (66.67%) were more likely to be involved in chicken keeping in Mnadani ward. Household size and chicken breed significantly contributed to the productivity of chickens in Dodoma, where layers production were leading. The growth performance of chicks over time was affected by the management system (e.g., free range and semiintensive), age and sex of chickens, cleanliness, treatment regime, and flock size. In order to improve the productivity of chickens in Dodoma through the stocking rate and growth performance of chicks, we recommend that, the socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers raising chickens and other factors such as management strategies and systems be considered.