Abstract:
A deterministic bio-economic
model was developed to support breeding of indigenous chicken and used
to evaluate biological and economic variables that characterise indigenous
chicken (Gallus domesticus) production systems in Kenya. The
systems were defined on the basis of the feeding regime, level of confinement
and healthcare provided and included; confined full ration system, where
the chicken are confined all the time and provided with commercial feed
and proper healthcare; semi-intensive system, where the chicken are
confined part of the time and given crop residues and kitchen waste,
with no healthcare; and free range system, where the chicken are left
to roam around the homestead picking whatever feed resource they get
and without healthcare. The input parameters are divided into four categories:
biological variables which include animal traits, managemental variables,
nutritional variables and economic variables. These parameters assume
typical indigenous chicken production in Kenya. However, the input parameters
may be adjusted to suit specific situations and also assess the biological
and economic performance of various production systems of other domestic
avian species. The model`s ability to simulate live weight changes,
feed intake of various chicken categories, revenues, cost and profitability
of the three production systems is illustrated. The bio-economic models
can be used to develop breeding goals and estimate economic values for
the genetic improvement of indigenous chicken.
E.O. Menge, A.K. Kahi and I.S. Kosgey, 2005. Bio-Economic Model to Support Breeding of Indigenous
Chicken in Different Production Systems. International Journal of Poultry Science, 4: 827-839.
Subscribe Today 
