Abstract: This study was undertaken to collect basic information on the performance of indigenous chicken, farmers breed and trait preference in Enarj Enawga and Enemay districts using structured questionnaire. Three kebeles from each districts were selected purposely based on chicken population for this study. For household survey, 180 households (90 from each district) having at least five chickens were selected. Both Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software were used to analysis qualitative and quantitative data. In the study area there was no a significant (P>0.05) difference in number of eggs produced per year per hen between districts. The overall egg production per hen per year was 76.9±1.39. There was a significant difference on the age at first egg laying of local pullet (P<0.05) and the average age at first mating of local cockerels (P<0.01) between districts. The average age at first mating of local cockerels was 4.9±0.08and 5.3±0.05 months for Enarj Enawga and Enemay, respectively. The average age at first egg laying of local pullet was 5.7±0.06and 6.1±0.04 months for Enarj Enawga and Enemay, respectively. In the study area, 37.78% % (Enarj Enawga) and 62.22% (Enemay) of them had their own breeding cocks. Breed preference also differ in the study areas, local breeds were most important preferred breeds in Enarj Enawga district where as exotic breeds were the most important (68.89%) preferred breeds in Enemay district followed by cross breeds in both districts. In both districts give the highest emphasis for body weight as the most important trait preferred by farmers for males chickens (index: 0.38 and 0.38) and egg production followed by plumage color and body weight in Enarj Enawga and body weight followed by plumage color and egg production in Enemay district for female chickens. In general production performance of indigenous chicken breeds are low in the study area and breed improvement should be considered farmers breed and trait preferences. Householders should be avoid uncontrolled mating practices to avoid unwanted traits.Abstract: This study was undertaken to collect basic information on the performance of indigenous chicken, farmers breed and trait preference in Enarj Enawga and Enemay districts using structured questionnaire. Three kebeles from each districts were selected purposely based on chicken population for this study. For household survey, 180 households (90 from e...Show More
