Growth Performance and Feed Utilization Potential of Horasi Chicken Ecotype During Starter and Grower Phases

Abstract

The study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the growth and feed utilization potentials of Horasi chicken ecotypes during starter and grower phases under intensive management system at Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) Naliendele Centre, Southern Zone of Tanzania. Three batches of Horasi chicken were collected from six districts namely Uyui and Igunga (Batch 1), Nzega and Msalala (Batch 2) and Shinyanga and Ushetu (Batch 3). The chicken were evaluated on station for growth performance and feed utilization for 16 weeks. At the age of 8 weeks Batch 1chicks had significantly higher (P<0.05) weight gain, Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Total Feed Intake. There was no significant difference on Average Daily Intake at this age. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was significantly higher in Batch 3 and Batch 2 of 4.9 g and 4.8 g of feed per unit of gain respectively at this age. At the age of 9–16 weeks of age there was no significant difference in weight gain, ADG, Total Feed Intake and Average Daily Feed Intake between Batch 1 and Batch 2. Batch 3 had the highest feed requirement per unit of gain at the age of 16 weeks.The observed differences in the performance between the batches was probably due to difference in the origin of the batches; as they were collected from different places. Based on the findings from this study, it was concluded that Horasi chicken ecotype shown high superiority in growth performance and feed utilization potentials. Therefore further studies need to be done to compare the performance of these chickens at farmer’s environments.