Egg Quality Traits of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens Reared Under Scavenging and Improved Feeding Condition in Relation to Exotic Chickens Eggs

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the egg quality traits of Nigerian indigenous chickens raised under scavenging and improved feeding conditions in relation to exotic chicken’s eggs. The study was conducted in Sam Tee farm Nukai Jalingo, Nigeria. The indigenous breed pullets were sourced from villages in Ardo Kola, Lau and Zing L.G.A. The birds were grouped into three treatments Viz: indigenous breed under improved feeding and scavenging conditions and the exotic breed. The indigenous breed pullets under improved feeding condition were placed on grower’s diet and gradually replaced with a commercially prepared layers’ mash. A total of 336 eggs from the three groups were examined. Eggs weight, length, width, shell thickness and yolk width were measured. Shell ratio, surface area and Haugh unit were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and correlation analysis. There were significant variations in egg weight, egg length and shell thickness between the indigenous and the exotic breed. The indigenous breed reared under improved feeding condition had the longest egg, largest surface area, thicker and heavier shell. Egg weight and surface area have significant positive correlations. In conclusion, Indigenous chickens' performance on some egg quality traits can be enhanced with judicious feeding and management.