On Farm Characterization of Fulani Ecotype Chickens in the Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria Based on Breeding and Husbandry System

The study was undertaken to characterize the breeding and husbandry system of Fulani Ecotype Chickens (FEC) in five local government of Ogbomoso, Oyo State Nigeria. A total of 200 structured questionnaire which captured information on breeding and husbandry system was administered. Data generated was analyzed using SAS to obtain descriptive statistics. Result indicated that Women participated in rearing of FEC than Men in all the five flocks sampled, such that about 66.5 % (female) of the total sample size were involved as against 33.5% male farmers, Forty one percent (41%) of the respondent were within the age of 20-30 years, 68 % were illiterate, this shows that majority of the farmers were youth who cannot read nor write. Fulani Ecotype Indigenous chickens are managed under extensive system of Animal husbandry, Extensive system of poultry management was adopted by 98.5% of the farmer while just 1% reared their chickens under intensive system. Respondents disclosed that chickens generally scavenge for feed throughout the day with about 91.5% of the respondent provided supplementary feed to chickens, 99% provided water to their chickens with well water as major source. Respondents cull chicken for three purposes: Consumption (52.5%), Sales for source of finance (44.5%) and sacrificial purpose (3%). Poor productivity (75%) accounted culled chicken, followed by old age (9%) and disease outbreak (16%). Sources of finance for replacement stock were sales of chicken (19%), Sales of egg from hen (4%), Sales of farm crops (18%), Livestock sales (57.5%) and loans from family and friends (1.5%). All the respondents relied on natural incubation provided by the Hens and their mothering ability to rear the hatched chicks. Number of chicks reared up to maturity was very low relative to number of hatched chicken, the survey revealed that 70% of the respondents reared 1-5 chicks to maturity. 88% of the respondent declared that disease outbreak was one of the major factors contributing to low production. Marketing of poultry products is generally affected by unstable price (29%), Poor sales (55.5%), Lack of Standard market place (4%), Available substitute (4%) and poor infrastructure (4%). Extension services was not accessible as only 10.5% of the respondents were reached by extension agents. Conclusively, study established that Indigenous chickens are sources of income, protein intake and that they subsist under traditional Animal husbandry with little input. Improvement in management practices could significantly improve their output in terms of egg and meat production.