Effect of Ecotype and Plumage Colour of Two Indigenous Chickens on Growth and Reproductive Performance in the Transition Zone of Ghana.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the ecotype and plumage colour effect on growth and reproductive performance of two indigenous chickens in Ghana. Ninety Six birds, consisting of Forty-eight birds from each of the two ecotypes and twenty-four from two separate plumage colours, white and brown, were selected randomly for the experiment. The experiment was a 2 X 2 Factorial with ecotype and plumage colour as the factors. The results showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 week body weights and body weight gain between the two different plumage colours of the two chicken ecotypes. Egg weight recorded a significant difference between the two plumage colours of the two chicken ecotypes, with the brown plumage colours of the savannah and forest performing better than the white plumage colours. There was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio and hen day egg production between the two plumage colours of the two chicken ecotypes. Reproductive performance of the plumage colours of the two chicken ecotypes were only significant (P<0.05) for the hatchability of fertile eggs, with the brown plumage colours of the two chicken ecotypes having significantly higher (P<0.05) hatchability than their white counterparts. Age at first egg, fertility of egg set and hatchability of egg set were not significant (P>0.05). 2, 4 and 8 week body weight of the two chicken ecotypes showed a significant (P<0.05) difference, while 6. The 10-week body weight showed no significant (P>0.05) difference. The result also showed no significant difference (P> 0.05) in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 week body weight gain. The Percentage fertility of eggs between the two chicken ecotypes was statistically higher (P<0.05) for the Savannah chicken ecotypes than the forest chicken ecotypes, and the percentage hatchability of fertile eggs was statistically better (P<0.05) in the forest chicken ecotypes than the Savannah chicken ecotypes. Age at first egg and percentage hatchability of egg set showed no significant difference (P>0.05). The study indicated that there was a correlation (P<0.05) between average body weight and egg weight and hen day egg production of the plumage colours and the ecotypes, respectively. The study showed a positive correlation between body temperature and plumage colour. Brown plumage colours of the savannah and forest ecotypes had higher (41.030C and 41.200C) body temperature than their white counterparts. Ecotype by Colour interaction effect on average egg weight and percentage hatchability were significant (P<0.05). All other traits were not significant (p>0.05). The brown coloured bird of the forest and savannah chicken ecotypes showed good production and reproductive potentials.