Different types of chicken breeds

Dive into the fascinating world of chicken breeds! From quirky Frizzled Feathers to the practicality of dual-purpose birds, our latest blog article explores the diversity, benefits, and challenges in poultry farming. Uncover the secrets of cross-breeding and why cockerel exchange programs may not be the answer. Let's embark on a journey of poultry knowledge together! 🐔📚 #PoultryFarming #ChickenBreeds #FarmInsights

Frizzled Feathers, Naked-Neck, Dwarf and the Normal type are commonly found in the warm regions. Naked- Neck genes are found in almost every village, and are believed to be a natural adaptation to avoid heat stress. Frizzled feathers may look ill at a first glance, but is also common in most village based systems. In some parts of the country, Frizzled Feathers are higher priced in the markets than normally feathered poultry. Dwarf poultry show standard colours and plumage, but tend to be 2/3 of the normal size for poultry, mostly because of the short shanks.

Chicken in commercial systems are usually kept for two distinct purposes, that is either egg or meat production. A high productivity in either egg or meat production is a result of specialised breeding programs. The dual purpose breed is also a result of breeding programs, and may produce more eggs as well as more meat than traditional birds. It is important to select birds, which are suited for a particular production system, and which are suited

for the conditions under which they are kept, e.g. free-range or confinement.

The commercial sector has developed highly specialized hybrids (crosses of several breeds) of which layers can produce 300 eggs per year and broilers can reach 2 kg in 6 weeks. To obtain this high production, the hybrids have very specific requirements in management, feeding, disease management and production costs are high. They are therefore not normally suited for free-range and improved free-range systems.

To increase production from local chickens, crossbreeding with other breeds can be practiced. It is however, important to consult professional breeders or breeding companies, who may recommend suitable and available breeds to increase egg production, growth or both. It is important to be aware that the offspring will obtain different qualities depending on whether the cock or the hen of the new breed is used. This is because some qualities are sex-linked and thus it is important to consult a breeder. Note: If a cross-breed is introduced, it is crucial that management, feeding and health protection schemes are improved.

In many countries, a common attempt to increase production from local chickens has been to establish

cockerel exchange schemes. The idea was to improve the productivity of local birds by mating them with

improved cocks.

Disadvantages of the cockerel exchange scheme:

• the introduced breeds may not adapt to the local climatic conditions,

• inadequate feeding and management practices and thus many of them may not achieve their potential,

• if reproduction succeeds, the first generation of these cocks often show a slight increase in production, but if no strict breeding schemes are maintained, the effect will be lost after a few generations

•loss of broodiness,

•reduced scavenging capacity,

•reduced survival,

•diseases such as Newcastle Disease, Gumboro, Fowl Typhoid etc, may be introduced to new areas result in high mortality among local birds.

For all these reasons it is very important that selection of breeding birds takes place in the existing

environment. Simple cockerel exchange programmes are as such not recommended.

As we conclude our exploration of chicken breeds, it's clear that each feathered friend brings unique qualities to the flock. Whether you're considering specialized hybrids, cross-breeding, or embracing local breeds, thoughtful selection is key. While cockerel exchange programs have been attempted, challenges like adaptability and disease risk caution us. Remember, the success of your poultry venture lies in understanding and catering to the distinct needs of your feathery companions. Happy farming! 🌱🐓 #PoultryWisdom #FarmLife #ChickenVarieties"