Effect of Locally Available Feed on the Zootechnical Performance of Local Chickens in Niger

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating locally available ingredients into the diet of young indigenous chickens in Niger on their growth performance. Two hundred chickens, aged 6 weeks, were utilized in the study and randomly assigned to four groups of ten birds each, housed on peanut shell bedding. The diets were formulated using a variety of local ingredients including millet, wheat bran, millet bran, peanut cake, sorrel seeds, fish meal, locust meal, moringa leaves, and bone meal. Water was provided ad libitum to all birds, and the feeding trial lasted for 4 months. Results revealed that the third diet was the most preferred by the local chickens. The diet significantly influenced the live weight of the chickens in the second month (P=0.000) and showed a significant effect during the third month (P=0.020) of the experiment. Sexual dimorphism was observed between hens and roosters for diets 2, 3, and 4. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference in the Average Daily Gain of local chickens among the different treatments during the first month. Additionally, the diet significantly influenced the consumption index of local chickens during the first month of the experiment (P=0.055). Based on the findings, it is suggested that Diet 2, containing fish meal, can be utilized in areas where fish availability and accessibility are high. Conversely, Diets 3 and 4 may be more suitable for regions prone to locust infestations. To facilitate the adoption of these dietary formulations, it is recommended to replicate the experiments in rural settings.