Abstract

A study was performed from September 2009 to August 2011 to identify the major challenges and prospects of village-based exotic chicken production in Amahara Regional State In this study village chickens were found raised mainly for income generation 76 0 and home consumption 14 5 The exotic chickens in this study were kept in scavenging type 61 5 feeding with seasonal supplementation of grain Among the maim problems related to poultry feed preparation are less availability of feed ingredients 48 both in quality and quantity It was found that individuals engaged in chicken rearing activities had higher preference for LOH 27 than RIR 22 0 breeds But RIR breeds 52 5 were more adapted the existing environmental conditions than LOH breeds About 81 5 of respondents were found able to construct separate chicken houses and 94 of the respondents have incriminated disease as the most important constraint for chicken production The overall mortality rate of distributed exotic chickens in the three agro-climatic zones of Amahara regional State was 45 00 The mortality rate of LOH breed of chicken 29 34 was found higher than that of RIR 16 18 There was also statically significant difference p 0 05 in mortality rates between the two breeds of chicken The present study indicated that the exotic chickens distributed in mid-altitude areas were with low mortality rates than high and low-altitude areas Therefore the bureau should fill the gaps with respect of inputs like identifying areas where exotic chickens adapt more extension services and health and feeding packages for better implementation of the strategy