Analysis on rural chicken performance under free range system in Kapchorwa district, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

The traditional understanding that chicken production can only be produced through exotic systems like constant vaccination and boosters being given all time around forgetting that natural medication can raise birds properly and more healthier with high value products than exotic ones have led to low production of local chicken and this study analyzed rural chicken performance under free range system in Kapchorwa district with a case study of Chema sub-county. This was done to examine production rate, performance and challenges faced in local chicken production in Chema sub-county hence forth propose ways of improving their production. A quantitative study was carried out and the target population were households in Chema sub-county. A sample of 30 households were selected using simple random sampling and interviewed using questionnaires and data collected was captured using Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS. Univariate analysis of variables was carried out to examine each individual variable in detail. Frequency tables were being used at univariate level. At bivariate level, chi square test and cross tables were used to compare and establish existence of relationships between variables. Study findings showed that there was poor performance of local chicken production among households in Chema sub-county with 50% being affected by chicken diseases,30% predationand17% lack supplementary feeds. Hens hatch an average of 7-10 chicks andchicks dying before weaning being the major challenge facedbecause 60% of chicken wean an average of 4-6chicks per clutch, lack of good management skills also showed to be a serious factor leading to their poor performance. The study recommended that the district production officer should through extension workers and community development officers provide information/sensitize the community on proper management of local chicken under free range system in order to achieve good performance, such as vaccination, providing supplementary feeds and trainings.