Optimisation and Multiplication of Large Fulani Eco-Type Chicken for Sustainable Production and Genetic Security in Nigeria

Nigerian indigenous chickens have the potentials of contributing substantially to improved livelihood and food security if managed under an improved condition similar to their exotic counterparts. This study investigated the growth performance, meat and egg quality of Large Fulani Eco-type Chicken (LFEC) reared under modern management practices. Semen livability was 86.07%. Fertile eggs had 57 to 99% hatchability. The eggs contained 11.97 to 13.57% protein, 8.57 to 10.33% fat, 395.2 to 423.7 mg/100 g total cholesterol (TC), 207.5 to 236.4 mg/100 g Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and 106.30 to 125.20 mg/100 g High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). The live, de-feathered and eviscerated weights of LFEC ranged from 1.405 to 2.78 kg, 1.325 to 2.60 kg and 1.05 to 2.20 kg, respectively. The breast, drumstick, and thigh of LFEC varied from 0.205 to 0.365 kg, 0.097 to 0.293 kg and 0.136 to 0.319 kg, respectively. The protein, fat, TC, LDL and HDL of the meat varied from 19.08 to 21.58%, 4.14 to 5.28%, 71.25 to 72.49 mg/100 g, 28.25 to 31.09 mg/100 g and 15.67 to 18.18 mg/100 g, respectively. Sensory evaluation of the meat revealed high acceptance scores relative to exotic chicken. LFEC recorded better cost-benefit than Harco black strain.