Comparative evaluation of production potential and reproductive traits of selected improved chicken breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, poultry industry plays a significant role in the supply of human food (eggs and meat) in rural and urban area and as a source of income, especially to small holder farmers This study aimed to evaluate the production potential and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds (Tetra, Bovans Brown, Lohman Brown, and Sasso). A total of 400 pullets were randomly assigned in a Completely Randomized Design experiment with genotypes as treatments. The birds were kept in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house with 100 pullets in each compartment and were fed commercial layer mash. The parameters evaluated during the experiment included age of sexual maturity, body weight, egg production rate, egg weight, egg quality parameters, feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality rate. The study found that Bovans Brown had the best reproductive performance, while Lohman had the highest egg production, and Sasso had the highest body weight gain per week. In addition, Bovans Brown had the largest egg weight, yolk color, albumin weight, and shell weight. The study also found that Bovans Brown had the lowest mortality rate compared to the other breeds. Based on the result, Bovans Brown breed was the most suitable for local conditions. Further research into genetic traits to enhance breeding programs and improve production performance is recommended. Implementing these recommendations would contribute to improving the profitability and sustainability of chicken farming in Ethiopia.