Improved Chicken Breeds Flock Improvement of Meat and Layer Breeds

Enhance poultry production with genetically superior breeds tailored to local conditions.

This technology revolutionizes poultry production in Africa through selective breeding and refined management practices. It targets key heritable traits like growth rate, egg yield, and feed efficiency to significantly elevate meat and egg production. Access to genetically improved breeds is facilitated through large, cost-effective hatcheries. Breeds are categorized based on their intended purpose, distinguishing between those specialized for meat ("broilers") and high egg production ("layers"). However, it's essential to note that genetically improved breeds may require supplementary resources for extensive production. Additionally, certain chicken breeds serve a dual function, providing both meat and eggs, rendering them well-suited for smaller-scale farming operations. The ultimate aim of this technology is to not only amplify productivity but also fortify the resilience of poultry farming across Africa, contributing to both food security and economic prosperity.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

8•8

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 8/9

Positive or neutral impact

Adults 18 and over: Positive medium
Others: No impact
The poor: No impact
Under 18: Positive high
Women: Positive high

Positive or neutral impact

Climate adaptability: It adapts really well
Adaptability for farmers: It helps a lot
Biodiversity: It helps them grow and thrive
Carbon footprint: It reduces emissions a little
Environment: It makes a little difference

Problem

Limited Poultry Production: Low-quality chicken breeds with poor genetics and susceptibility to diseases.
Inadequate Meat and Egg Production: Limited meat and egg production in naturally selected local chickens compared to improved breeds.
Challenges in Breed Adaptation: Insufficient management and resources for genetically improved chicken breeds in extensive production systems. Dual-purpose chickens offer less intensive management options.

Solution

Genetic improvement through selective breeding: By selectively mating the best-performing males and females, the program enhances genetic traits related to meat and egg production, leading to improved overall poultry production.
Precise Identification and Recordkeeping: This ensures that only chickens with the desired traits for meat and egg production are selected for breeding. Accurate recordkeeping helps track and reproduce successful genetic combinations.
Controlled Incubation and Hatching: By controlling the incubation process, the program ensures that chicks have a higher chance of survival and development. This is particularly important for genetically improved breeds which may require specific conditions for optimal growth.

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Cost: $$$ Over 1 million USD

Establishment of a poultry breeding company

IP

Open source / open access

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested

Countries where the technology has been tested and adopted
Country	Tested	Adopted
Benin	–Not tested	Adopted
Botswana	–Not tested	Adopted
Burundi	–Not tested	Adopted
Central African Republic	–Not tested	Adopted
Côte d’Ivoire	–Not tested	Adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	–Not tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	–Not tested	Adopted
Gabon	–Not tested	Adopted
Ghana	–Not tested	Adopted
Guinea	–Not tested	Adopted
Kenya	–Not tested	Adopted
Madagascar	–Not tested	Adopted
Malawi	–Not tested	Adopted
Mozambique	–Not tested	Adopted
Niger	–Not tested	Adopted
Nigeria	–Not tested	Adopted
Rwanda	–Not tested	Adopted
Senegal	–Not tested	Adopted
Sierra Leone	–Not tested	Adopted
Somalia	–Not tested	Adopted
South Sudan	–Not tested	Adopted
Tanzania	–Not tested	Adopted
Uganda	–Not tested	Adopted
Zambia	–Not tested	Adopted
Zimbabwe	–Not tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 1: no poverty

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 8: decent work and economic growth

Genetic Enhancement for Disease Resilience:

- - Identify chickens exhibiting resilience to diseases in your flock.
  - Select these chickens for breeding, prioritizing those with the strongest immune systems.
  - Mate the chosen males and females to produce offspring with enhanced disease resistance.
  - Repeat this selective breeding process over successive generations to strengthen disease resilience in your flock.

Trait Improvement for Elevated Productivity:

- - Assess the current traits of your chicken flock, focusing on growth rate, egg yield, and feed efficiency.
  - Identify the top-performing chickens in these areas.
  - Mate the highest-performing males with the highest-performing females to produce offspring with improved productivity traits.
  - Continue this selective breeding process to consistently enhance productivity over time.

Resource Optimization for Improved Breeds:

- - Provide supplementary nutrition to your improved breed chickens, ensuring they receive balanced feeds with specific energy, protein, and mineral content.
  - Construct suitable shelter that offers protection from predators and adverse weather conditions.
  - Arrange for regular veterinary check-ups and access to healthcare services for your improved breed chickens.
  - Monitor and adjust resources as needed to maintain optimal health and productivity.