Innovative Indigenous Brooding Strategies for Philippine Native Chickens: Effects of Local Alternative Heat Sources and Litter Floor Types on Productivity and Welfare

Native chicken production offers a promising source of income for rural communities, especially in remote areas. However, natural brooding limits egg production per hen, making artificial brooding necessary. In mountainous regions without electricity, artificial brooding poses challenges. This study aimed to evaluate indigenous brooding strategies for Philippine native chickens, focusing on environmental conditions, growth performance, survival rate, and chick welfare. A split-plot experiment using 252 chicks was conducted under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The main factor was heating source—Tukong, Adjustable Hanging Heated Charcoal (AHHC), and Kerosene Lamp—tested across three litter floor types: White Wood Shavings, Rice Straw, and Rice Hull. AHHC consistently produced the highest temperature, lowest humidity (p<.01), and lowest litter moisture content (p<.01). AHHC with White Wood Shavings yielded optimal feeding, highest weight gain, and best feed conversion. This combination also showed the highest survival rate and thermal comfort, with no signs of huddling or panting. Mild hock burns and minimal breast and leg soiling were observed. Overall, chick viability post-brooding was highest under AHHC with White Wood Shavings, resulting in the best return on investment (ROI).