Hematology and external egg quality parameters of three Nigerian indigenous chicken genotypes

Abstract

Information about haematological parameters and external egg quality parameters of Nigerian indigenous chickens is limited and not even available to farmers. In many species of birds especially chicken, normal values for hematological parameters were measured and a comprehensive data base was established of their blood profile. The Nigerian indigenous chicken breeds have been reported to have many advantageous gene complexes that could be harnessed in the development of meat or egg type chicken suitable for use in the tropics. 1 Among these major genes are the Naked necked, Frizzled and Normal feathered. In the other hand, many researchers have evaluated normal haematological parameters of industrial and commercial hybrid chickens. 2,3 Information about hematological and external egg quality parameters of indigenous chickens are limited therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the haematological and external egg quality parameters of three strains of indigenous chickens. Materials and methods The study was carried out in the Students' Demonstration Farm of the