Urban Poultry Production Techniques and the Limitations of Raising both Local and Exotic Chicks in Ethiopia's Towns of Yirgalem and Hawassa

Abstract

Chicken rearing has a significant impact on Ethiopia's rural and urban economies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of both native and exotic chickens raised in the Southern Ethiopian towns of Yirgalem and Hawassa, as well as the urban poultry production system. The respondents were chosen using a stepwise purposive sampling technique, which was followed by random sampling. Based on their background in chicken production, 180 respondents in all were chosen. According to the study's findings, the majority of respondents raised their hens in backyard production systems. The majority of respondents (77.8%) raised chickens under semi-intensive and free-range management systems. While most of them give their flock water, all of the responders gave them additional grain. Additionally, the results revealed that just 38.3% of the respondents gave their flock separate homes. Diseases (coccidiosis and Newcastle) were the main factors affecting the flock in the research locations. Adaptability, particularly for exotic chickens, came in second. In comparison to rural management systems, it was determined that the study areas' chicken management systems performed well; however, more effort is still needed to improve their scientific feeding, management, and health care. Additionally, it was noted that the exotic hens significantly improved the rearers' food security and standard of living.