Comparative Evaluation of Production Potential and Reproductive Traits of Selected Improved Chicken Breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Comparative Evaluation of Production Potential and Reproductive Traits of Selected Improved Chicken Breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Comparative Evaluation of Production Potential and Reproductive Traits of Selected Improved Chicken Breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia Shaban Mohamed Abdi, Abdi Abdilahi Ahmed, Fosiya Hussein, Ahmed Aden Dek This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7834817/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 13 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract In Ethiopia, poultry industry plays a significant role in the supply of human food (eggs and meat) in rural and urban area and as a source of income, especially to small holder farmers This study aimed to evaluate the production potential and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds (Tetra, Bovan Brown, Lohman Brown, and Sasso). A total of 400 pullets were randomly assigned in a Completely Randomized Design experiment with genotypes as treatments. The birds were kept in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house with 100 pullets in each compartment and were fed commercial layer mash. The parameters evaluated during the experiment included age of sexual maturity, body weight, egg production rate, egg weight, egg quality parameters, feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality rate. The study found that Bovan Brown had the best reproductive performance, while Lohman had the highest egg production, and Sasso had the highest body weight gain per week. In addition, Bovan Brown had the largest egg weight, yolk color, albumin weight, and shell weight. The study also found that Bovan Brown had the lowest mortality rate compared to the other breeds. Based on the result, Bovan Brown breed was the most suitable for local conditions. Further research into genetic traits to enhance breeding programs and improve production performance is recommended. Implementing these recommendations would contribute to improving the profitability and sustainability of chicken farming in Ethiopia. Bovan Brown Sasso Tetra productive performance egg quality Lohman Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 INTRODUCTION Ethiopia is naturally endowed with diverse agroecological zones and favorable environmental conditions, making it suitable for livestock production. The country is estimated to host approximately 57.01 million poultry, according to CSA (2021), placing poultry as the second-largest livestock species after cattle. The majority of Ethiopian poultry consists of indigenous chickens, encompassing various categories such as cocks, cockerels, pullets, laying hens, non-laying hens, and chicks. Recent data indicate that about 78.85% of the poultry population are indigenous breeds, while hybrids account for 12.02%, and exotic breeds make up 9.11% (CSA, 2021). Poultry production is a vital subsector within Ethiopia's livestock industry, contributing significantly to employment generation, household nutrition enhancement, and women's empowerment. It is particularly accessible to poorer households due to the minimal land and low investment required to start and operate poultry farms (FAO, 2019 ). The Ethiopian poultry sector, with an estimated total population of 57 million birds, includes various categories such as cocks, cockerels, pullets, laying hens, non-laying hens, and chicks. Among these, laying hens constitute the largest share at 34.26%, followed by chicks at 32.86%. Pullets are estimated at around 6.47 million, while cocks and cockerels number approximately 6.38 million and 3.27 million, respectively. Non-laying hens account for about 4.59% of the total poultry population, approximately 2.61 million birds. Regarding breeds, 78.85% are indigenous, 12.02% are hybrids, and 9.11% are exotic breeds (CSA, 2021). In Ethiopia, the poultry industry plays a crucial role in providing human food—such as eggs and meat—in both rural and urban areas, and serves as a vital income source, especially for smallholder farmers. About 95.86% of the country's poultry products originate from indigenous chickens managed under village systems, with the remaining contributions coming from intensively kept exotic breeds (1.35%) and hybrids (2.79%). Poultry products are relatively affordable, serving as accessible sources of protein compared to other animal products like beef. At the household level, poultry contributes significantly to nutritional well-being, especially for children, and provides income, particularly for women. However, per capita consumption of poultry and poultry products remains low—averaging 57 eggs and 2.85 kg of chicken meat annually—while the poultry marketing system remains largely informal and underdeveloped (Gebre M., 2018). Overall, poultry (chicken) production in Ethiopia is increasingly important for supplying food and income, especially for smallholder farmers, and its contribution to the agricultural sector is expected to grow. The small size, rapid reproduction, low labor and energy requirements, minimal initial capital, and lesser environmental impact make poultry a sustainable livestock option (Alemu et al., 2009; Thomas et al., 2009 ; David, 2010 ). Rapid human population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes continue to drive increased demand for animal-source foods in developing countries. However, Africa faces significant challenges related to animal protein shortages, which contribute to high infant mortality rates (Mengasha, 2011). To address challenges in poultry production and marketing and to improve the livelihoods and food security of rural households, it is essential for decision-makers to promote modern poultry technologies through participatory approaches. Such strategies can help develop socially acceptable, environmentally sustainable, and economically feasible solutions. Various efforts have been made to introduce exotic chicken breeds for pure use or crossbreeding with indigenous chickens, aiming to enhance productivity and resilience. Poultry production in the country in general is characterized by extensive production system and the productivity is low. Despite the importance of chickens to the small-scale farmers by providing high protein products (eggs and meat), most communities lack the required husbandry skills, knowledge, training and opportunity to effectively improve their household chicken production (Podchalwar, 2011 ). Little attempts have been made by introducing exotic breeds. However, there are a number of challenges and obstacles (constraints) limiting the success and profitability of those exotic chickens kept under both backyard and semi-intensive production system in the country. Thus, further researches are required to undertake in order to evaluate and determine production performance of chickens and recommend suitable husbandry practices. Thus, this project was implemented to compare and evaluate production potential, adaptability and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds with great emphasis on their reproduction performance, egg quality characteristics and disease resistance traits of the four different improved chicken breeds in the study site. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research work was undertaken on the evaluation of production potential and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds suitable for agro-pastoral farming. The study was undertaken at Fafan Agricultural Research Center under the Somali Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research Institute (SoRPARI), Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. Location Fafan Agricultural Research Center is located about 46 km in the western side of Jigjiga town and located adjacent to the main road from Jigjiga to Harar. It is situated at an altitude of 1600–1700 m above sea level. The rainfall pattern of the area is bi-modal amounting to an average of 750 ml and extending from March to April and the long rain season from June to September. The mean annual temperature is 21 o C, with a mean minimum and maximum temperature of 14 o C and 28°C respectively. Study Design and Experimental Units The objective of this work was to evaluate the production potential and reproductive performance of four different improved at Fafen Research Center chick. A total of four hundred (400) of 11 weeks old pullets composed of Tetra, Bovan brown, Lohhman and Saso breeds will be purchased from Ethio-Chickens Plc. Four hundred of 11 weeks old pullets were randomly assigned in a Completely Randomized Design experiment for a period of up to 60 weeks with genotypes as treatments. There were four replicates with hundred (100) pullets in each replicate group. Management of the On-Station improved Pullets The birds were kept in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house constructed with concrete blocks with 100 pullets in each compartment. The birds were maintained in floor pens each pen measuring 300cm by 200cm on deep litter system for about the end of the experiment project. The stock density was 0.15m²/bird. The feed and water were supplied in 2.5kg capacity hanging feeders and 3L capacity plastic fountain drinkers respectively. The birds were fed with commercial layer mash purchased from Ethio chicken PLC. The plastic drinkers were cleaned daily throughout the experimental period. Twelve hours of natural light which is supplemented with artificial lighting throughout the experimental period was provided to the birds. All the required vaccination, vitamins and treatments were provided to the birds properly during the study. Data Collection and estimated Parameter During the experiment, the parameters that was evaluated were the age of sexual maturity (age at first laying), Body weight measurement, Egg production rate, Egg weight, Egg quality parameters, Feed intake and feed conversion and Mortality rate. Data Analysis The data obtained on age of maturity and egg laying performances and body weight measurement were subjected to one-way analysis of variance with effect using SPSS version 23. When significant differences among means were found, means were separated using least significant difference (LSD) test. RESULTS AND DISCUSTION Sexual maturity (age at first laying) of the four improved chicken breeds The figure below indicates that age at first laying per week of Bovan Brown, Lohman, Tetra and Sasso Breeds was week 21, 23, 22 and respectively. This indicates that Bovan Brown has best reproductive performance compared to the three breeds. This could be due Feed intake per week of the four improved chicken breeds The feed intake of the four breeds in the experimental study is presented in Table 1 . The result of this study is indicated that there is significant difference of the average feed intake per week of the four breeds in the experiment with F-test of 15.38 having p-value of < 0.001. The Lohman breed has the highest feed intake (74.14 ± 1.729 kg per week) whereas the Tetra has the lowest feed intake (58.74 ± 1.88). As indicated in LSD of Post hoc test, there is no average feed intake difference between Sasso, Lohman and Bovan Brown chicken breeds. Table 1 Least square means of Feed Intake per week of Four Improved Chicken Breeds during experimental period Parameter Breed Minimum Maximum Mean ± SEM F P-value Feed intake per week Bovan Brown 36.0 90.0 65.69 ± 1.61 15.38 < 0.001 Lohman 42.0 112.0 74.14 ± 1.72 Tetra 35.0 70.0 58.74 ± 1.88 Sasso 65.0 112.0 70.26 ± 1.52 Average Egg Production of The Studied Four Improved Chickens The result of this study is indicated that there is significant difference of the average egg yield per week of the four breeds in the experiment with F-test of 107.65 having p-value of < 0.001. The Lohman breed has the highest egg production (371 ± 14.89 per week) whereas the Sasso has the lowest egg production (124.97 ± 4.03). As indicated in LSD of Post hoc test, there is significant egg production difference between the experimented four chicken breeds (Table 2 ). Differences between strains with mean egg production at different production phases were related with genetic potential of each strain and ability of survival. Table 2 Mean and Standard error of Egg yield per week of Four Improved Chicken Breeds during experimental period Breed Minimum Maximum Mean ± SEM F P-value Bovan Brown 58.0 478.0 330.46 ± 13.63 107.65 < 0.001 Lohman 109.0 528.0 371.00 ± 14.89 Tetra 30.0 260.0 191.18 ± 8.79 Sasso 63.0 159.0 124.97 ± 4.03 Body weight and Average daily gain The result of this study is indicated that there is significant difference of the average body weight gain per week of the four breeds in the experiment with F-test of 24.19 having p-value of < 0.001. The Sasso breed has the highest body weight gain per week (2.52 ± 0.06 Kg per week) whereas the Lohman has the lowest body weight gain per week (1.52 ± 0.02). According to LSD of Post hoc test, there is significant egg production difference between Sasso and other three chicken breeds. But there is no significant difference among Bovan Brown, Lohman and Tetra (Table 3 ). The high body weight of Sasso breed might due to that breed is dual purpose (both meat and egg type). Table 3 Mean and Standard error of Body Weight gain in Kg per week of Four Improved Chicken Breeds during experimental period parameter Breed IBW* (Kg) FBW* (Kg) Mean ± SEM F P-value Body weight gain in Kg per week Bovan Brown 1.24 1.81 1.58 ± 0.02 24.19 < 0.001 Lohman 1.23 1.93 1.52 ± 0.02 Tetra 1.00 10.20 1.61 ± 0.18 Sasso 1.48 3.10 2.52 ± 0.06 IBW* = Initial body weight; FBW* = Final body weight Survival rate of the experimented four improved chicken breeds The mortality percentages in the study area are presented in Fig. 2 . The current study result indicated that the Bovan Brown breed were attained the least mortality rate (4%) than other breeds distributed, which could be related with the breed adaptation character to the environment. The highest mortality rate was attained by the Sasso (35%) during the study period. Egg Quality Analysis This study indicated that Bovan Brown has the largest egg weight, yolk color, Albumin weight and shell weight compared to the three breeds. While Sasso has the best Yolk height and weight and Lohman has the largest albumin height (Table 4 ). The F-test values indicate statistical significance for the differences in yolk color, albumin height, yolk height, and shell weight among the breeds. However, the p-values indicate that the observed differences in egg weight, albumin weight, and yolk weight between the breeds are not statistically significant. Table 4 Least square mean (LSM ± SE) of external and internal Egg quality traits of four improved chicken breeds. Breed Egg Quality Parameters Egg Weight Albumin Height Albumin Weight Yolk Height Yolk Weight Shell Weight Mean ± SEM Mean ± SEM Mean ± SEM Mean ± SEM Mean ± SEM Mean ± SEM Bovan Brown 62.76 ± 1.57 8.72 ± 0.16 39.02 ± 1.02 14.81 ± 0.16 15.46 ± 0.43 6.21 ± 0.29 Lohman 59.74 ± 1.56 9.14 ± 0.25 38.72 ± 1.06 14.94 ± 0.38 14.94 ± 0.38 6.16 ± 0.23 Tetra 57.22 ± 2.06 7.82 ± 0.12 34.90 ± 2.04 14.08 ± 0.09 13.57 ± 0.35 5.77 ± 0.08 Sasso 60.44 ± 1.67 7.66 ± 0.29 36.20 ± 1.60 15.08 ± 0.24 16.46 ± 0.19 5.51 ± 0.11 F-test 1.73 10.59 1.78 3.33 11.86 2.73 P- value 0.2 < 0.001 0.19 0.04 < 0.001 0.07 *Mean ± SEM CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This research aimed to evaluate the production potential and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds (Tetra, Bovan Brown, Lohman, and Sasso). A total of 400 pullets were randomly assigned in a Completely Randomized Design experiment with genotypes as treatments. The experimented chickens were kept in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house with 100 pullets in each compartment and were fed commercial layer mash. The parameters evaluated during the experiment included age of sexual maturity, body weight, egg production rate, egg weight, egg quality parameters, feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality rate. The study found that Bovan Brown had the best reproductive performance, while Lohman had the highest egg production, and Sasso had the highest body weight gain per week. In addition, Bovan Brown had the largest egg weight, yolk color, albumin weight, and shell weight. The study also found that Bovan Brown had the lowest mortality rate compared to the other breeds. Based on the result, Bovan Brown breed was the most suitable for local conditions. This study also shows that each of the four improved chicken breeds has unique characteristics and advantages. Based on the aforementioned conclusion, the following recommendations are forwarded The Bovan Brown breed is recommended for farmers who are more interested in reproductive performance while the Sasso breed is highly recommended for those farmers/entrepreneurs who focused on high body weight gain, and Lohman is recommended for high egg production. Also, the current study suggests that farmers should consider the unique characteristics of each breed according to their production goals. Additional research investigations should be conducted to understand the genetic potential of chicken breeds and to develop breeding programs for the local markets. Additionally, breeds that can adapt to different environmental conditions and diseases should be furtherly studied through research Finally, farmers are advised to prioritize the health and welfare of their chicken flock to improve production performance. Declarations Consent for Publication All authors have agreed to the submission and publication of this manuscript. We confirm that the manuscript, including any identifiable information, does not violate any confidentiality agreements and that consent for publication has been obtained from all relevant parties. Availability of Data and Materials Available up on request from the corresponding author (Shaban Mohamed Abdi email: [email protected] ). Competing Interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding Somali Region Pastoral and Agropastoral Research Institute Authors' Contributions Shaban Mohamed Abdi conceived the study, contributed to the study design, performed the analysis, and manuscript writing. Abdi Abdilahi Ahmed, Fosiya Hussein, and Ahmed Aden Dek contributed data duration and visualization. Shaban Mohamed Abdi reviewed and edited the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgment The authors extend their gratitude to the Somali Region livestock and Agricultural Research Institute for funding this study. Ethical Approval and Declaration This study, titled "Comparative Evaluation of Production Potential and Reproductive Traits of Selected Improved Chicken Breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia," has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, in accordance with national and international ethical standards for animal research. All procedures involving animals were conducted with the utmost care to ensure their welfare and minimize any distress or harm. The study design adheres to ethical principles for the humane treatment of animals throughout the research process. Clinical Trial Not applicable. References Apu, A.S. & Saleque, M.A. 2012. 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Retrievedhttp://wwww.lrrd.org/lrrd23/2/meng23037.htm. Moges, F., A. Mellesse and T. Dessie, 2010. Assessment of village chicken production system and evaluation of the productive and reproductive performance of local chicken ecotype in Bure district, North West Ethiopia. Afr. J. Agric. Res ., 5: 1739-1748. Podchalwar Kundan, 2011. Studies on comparative performance of three crossbred chickens suitable for rural farming. MSc Thesis. Anand Agriultural University, Anand,India Tamir, S., F. Moges, Y. Tilahun and M. Hile, 2015. Determinants of adoption of exotic poultry breeds among smallholder poultry producers in North Western Amahara Region, Ethiopia. Global Sci. Res. J., 3: 16216 Thomas X. Diao and D. Roy, 2009. Impact of a potential avian flu outbreak in Ethiopia: multimarket model analysis controlling avian flu and protecting people’s livelihoods in Africa and Indonesia,HPA research Brief No13.http://www.ifpria.org/sitesdefAult /files/publications/hpairb13.pdf. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 26 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 23 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 22 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 20 Oct, 2025 Reviews received at journal 15 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Oct, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Oct, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 14 Oct, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 13 Oct, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 13 Oct, 2025 First submitted to journal 13 Oct, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":137343,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAge at first Laying of the four experimental chicken breeds\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7834817/v1/8b43973446616c3248694ddc.png"},{"id":94605532,"identity":"de2c668d-772c-4869-8306-cb641912335f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-28 21:10:24","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":120974,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSurvival and Mortality rate of four chicken breeds under experiment\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7834817/v1/70d0455de1e7add85da7b468.png"},{"id":94620774,"identity":"6185ad79-81fd-46af-aa21-372e72d2f9df","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 04:09:45","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1089157,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7834817/v1/ce0e945a-a8d1-4ee0-9901-51154cb64d1b.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eComparative Evaluation of Production Potential and Reproductive Traits of Selected Improved Chicken Breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eEthiopia is naturally endowed with diverse agroecological zones and favorable environmental conditions, making it suitable for livestock production. The country is estimated to host approximately 57.01\u0026nbsp;million poultry, according to CSA (2021), placing poultry as the second-largest livestock species after cattle. The majority of Ethiopian poultry consists of indigenous chickens, encompassing various categories such as cocks, cockerels, pullets, laying hens, non-laying hens, and chicks. Recent data indicate that about 78.85% of the poultry population are indigenous breeds, while hybrids account for 12.02%, and exotic breeds make up 9.11% (CSA, 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoultry production is a vital subsector within Ethiopia's livestock industry, contributing significantly to employment generation, household nutrition enhancement, and women's empowerment. It is particularly accessible to poorer households due to the minimal land and low investment required to start and operate poultry farms (FAO, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Ethiopian poultry sector, with an estimated total population of 57\u0026nbsp;million birds, includes various categories such as cocks, cockerels, pullets, laying hens, non-laying hens, and chicks. Among these, laying hens constitute the largest share at 34.26%, followed by chicks at 32.86%. Pullets are estimated at around 6.47\u0026nbsp;million, while cocks and cockerels number approximately 6.38\u0026nbsp;million and 3.27\u0026nbsp;million, respectively. Non-laying hens account for about 4.59% of the total poultry population, approximately 2.61\u0026nbsp;million birds. Regarding breeds, 78.85% are indigenous, 12.02% are hybrids, and 9.11% are exotic breeds (CSA, 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Ethiopia, the poultry industry plays a crucial role in providing human food\u0026mdash;such as eggs and meat\u0026mdash;in both rural and urban areas, and serves as a vital income source, especially for smallholder farmers. About 95.86% of the country's poultry products originate from indigenous chickens managed under village systems, with the remaining contributions coming from intensively kept exotic breeds (1.35%) and hybrids (2.79%). Poultry products are relatively affordable, serving as accessible sources of protein compared to other animal products like beef. At the household level, poultry contributes significantly to nutritional well-being, especially for children, and provides income, particularly for women. However, per capita consumption of poultry and poultry products remains low\u0026mdash;averaging 57 eggs and 2.85 kg of chicken meat annually\u0026mdash;while the poultry marketing system remains largely informal and underdeveloped (Gebre M., 2018).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, poultry (chicken) production in Ethiopia is increasingly important for supplying food and income, especially for smallholder farmers, and its contribution to the agricultural sector is expected to grow. The small size, rapid reproduction, low labor and energy requirements, minimal initial capital, and lesser environmental impact make poultry a sustainable livestock option (Alemu et al., 2009; Thomas et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; David, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Rapid human population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes continue to drive increased demand for animal-source foods in developing countries. However, Africa faces significant challenges related to animal protein shortages, which contribute to high infant mortality rates (Mengasha, 2011).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo address challenges in poultry production and marketing and to improve the livelihoods and food security of rural households, it is essential for decision-makers to promote modern poultry technologies through participatory approaches. Such strategies can help develop socially acceptable, environmentally sustainable, and economically feasible solutions. Various efforts have been made to introduce exotic chicken breeds for pure use or crossbreeding with indigenous chickens, aiming to enhance productivity and resilience.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoultry production in the country in general is characterized by extensive production system and the productivity is low. Despite the importance of chickens to the small-scale farmers by providing high protein products (eggs and meat), most communities lack the required husbandry skills, knowledge, training and opportunity to effectively improve their household chicken production (Podchalwar, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). Little attempts have been made by introducing exotic breeds.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, there are a number of challenges and obstacles (constraints) limiting the success and profitability of those exotic chickens kept under both backyard and semi-intensive production system in the country. Thus, further researches are required to undertake in order to evaluate and determine production performance of chickens and recommend suitable husbandry practices. Thus, this project was implemented to compare and evaluate production potential, adaptability and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds with great emphasis on their reproduction performance, egg quality characteristics and disease resistance traits of the four different improved chicken breeds in the study site.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe research work was undertaken on the evaluation of production potential and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds suitable for agro-pastoral farming. The study was undertaken at Fafan Agricultural Research Center under the Somali Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research Institute (SoRPARI), Somali Regional State of Ethiopia.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLocation\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFafan Agricultural Research Center is located about 46 km in the western side of Jigjiga town and located adjacent to the main road from Jigjiga to Harar. It is situated at an altitude of 1600\u0026ndash;1700 m above sea level. The rainfall pattern of the area is bi-modal amounting to an average of 750 ml and extending from March to April and the long rain season from June to September. The mean annual temperature is 21\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC, with a mean minimum and maximum temperature of 14\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC and 28\u0026deg;C respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy Design and Experimental Units\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe objective of this work was to evaluate the production potential and reproductive performance of four different improved at Fafen Research Center chick. A total of four hundred (400) of 11 weeks old pullets composed of Tetra, Bovan brown, Lohhman and Saso breeds will be purchased from Ethio-Chickens Plc. Four hundred of 11 weeks old pullets were randomly assigned in a Completely Randomized Design experiment for a period of up to 60 weeks with genotypes as treatments. There were four replicates with hundred (100) pullets in each replicate group.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eManagement of the On-Station improved Pullets\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe birds were kept in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house constructed with concrete blocks with 100 pullets in each compartment. The birds were maintained in floor pens each pen measuring 300cm by 200cm on deep litter system for about the end of the experiment project. The stock density was 0.15m\u0026sup2;/bird. The feed and water were supplied in 2.5kg capacity hanging feeders and 3L capacity plastic fountain drinkers respectively. The birds were fed with commercial layer mash purchased from Ethio chicken PLC. The plastic drinkers were cleaned daily throughout the experimental period. Twelve hours of natural light which is supplemented with artificial lighting throughout the experimental period was provided to the birds. All the required vaccination, vitamins and treatments were provided to the birds properly during the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData Collection and estimated Parameter\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the experiment, the parameters that was evaluated were the age of sexual maturity (age at first laying), Body weight measurement, Egg production rate, Egg weight, Egg quality parameters, Feed intake and feed conversion and Mortality rate.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data obtained on age of maturity and egg laying performances and body weight measurement were subjected to one-way analysis of variance with effect using SPSS version 23. When significant differences among means were found, means were separated using least significant difference (LSD) test.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS AND DISCUSTION","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSexual maturity (age at first laying) of the four improved chicken breeds\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe figure below indicates that age at first laying per week of Bovan Brown, Lohman, Tetra and Sasso Breeds was week 21, 23, 22 and respectively. This indicates that Bovan Brown has best reproductive performance compared to the three breeds. This could be due\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeed intake per week of the four improved chicken breeds\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe feed intake of the four breeds in the experimental study is presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. The result of this study is indicated that there is significant difference of the average feed intake per week of the four breeds in the experiment with F-test of 15.38 having p-value of \u0026lt; 0.001. The Lohman breed has the highest feed intake (74.14 ± 1.729 kg per week) whereas the Tetra has the lowest feed intake (58.74 ± 1.88). As indicated in LSD of Post hoc test, there is no average feed intake difference between Sasso, Lohman and Bovan Brown chicken breeds.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"±\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeast square means of Feed Intake per week of Four Improved Chicken Breeds during experimental period\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eParameter\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed intake per week\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBovan Brown\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65.69 ± 1.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLohman\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e112.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74.14 ± 1.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTetra\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58.74 ± 1.88\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSasso\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e112.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70.26 ± 1.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAverage Egg Production of The Studied Four Improved Chickens\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result of this study is indicated that there is significant difference of the average egg yield per week of the four breeds in the experiment with F-test of 107.65 having p-value of \u0026lt; 0.001. The Lohman breed has the highest egg production (371 ± 14.89 per week) whereas the Sasso has the lowest egg production (124.97 ± 4.03). As indicated in LSD of Post hoc test, there is significant egg production difference between the experimented four chicken breeds (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDifferences between strains with mean egg production at different production phases were related with genetic potential of each strain and ability of survival.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"±\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean and Standard error of Egg yield per week of Four Improved Chicken Breeds during experimental period\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBovan Brown\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e478.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e330.46 ± 13.63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e107.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLohman\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e528.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e371.00 ± 14.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTetra\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e260.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e191.18 ± 8.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSasso\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e159.0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e124.97 ± 4.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBody weight and Average daily gain\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result of this study is indicated that there is significant difference of the average body weight gain per week of the four breeds in the experiment with F-test of 24.19 having p-value of \u0026lt; 0.001. The Sasso breed has the highest body weight gain per week (2.52 ± 0.06 Kg per week) whereas the Lohman has the lowest body weight gain per week (1.52 ± 0.02). According to LSD of Post hoc test, there is significant egg production difference between Sasso and other three chicken breeds. But there is no significant difference among Bovan Brown, Lohman and Tetra (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The high body weight of Sasso breed might due to that breed is dual purpose (both meat and egg type).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"±\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean and Standard error of Body Weight gain in Kg per week of Four Improved Chicken Breeds during experimental period\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eparameter\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIBW* (Kg)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFBW* (Kg)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBody weight gain in Kg per week\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBovan Brown\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.58 ± 0.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLohman\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.93\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.52 ± 0.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTetra\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.61 ± 0.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSasso\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"±\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.52 ± 0.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIBW* = Initial body weight; FBW* = Final body weight\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSurvival rate of the experimented four improved chicken breeds\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe mortality percentages in the study area are presented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. The current study result indicated that the Bovan Brown breed were attained the least mortality rate (4%) than other breeds distributed, which could be related with the breed adaptation character to the environment. The highest mortality rate was attained by the Sasso (35%) during the study period.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEgg Quality Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study indicated that Bovan Brown has the largest egg weight, yolk color, Albumin weight and shell weight compared to the three breeds. While Sasso has the best Yolk height and weight and Lohman has the largest albumin height (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The F-test values indicate statistical significance for the differences in yolk color, albumin height, yolk height, and shell weight among the breeds. However, the p-values indicate that the observed differences in egg weight, albumin weight, and yolk weight between the breeds are not statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeast square mean (LSM ± SE) of external and internal Egg quality traits of four improved chicken breeds.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEgg Quality Parameters\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEgg Weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlbumin Height\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlbumin Weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYolk Height\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYolk Weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShell Weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean ± SEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBovan Brown\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.76 ± 1.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.72 ± 0.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.02 ± 1.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.81 ± 0.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.46 ± 0.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.21 ± 0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLohman\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59.74 ± 1.56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.14 ± 0.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.72 ± 1.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.94 ± 0.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.94 ± 0.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.16 ± 0.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTetra\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57.22 ± 2.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.82 ± 0.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.90 ± 2.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.08 ± 0.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.57 ± 0.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.77 ± 0.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSasso\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60.44 ± 1.67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.66 ± 0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.20 ± 1.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.08 ± 0.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.46 ± 0.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.51 ± 0.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eF-test\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.73\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e10.59\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.78\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.33\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e11.86\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.73\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eP- value\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.19\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.04\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt; 0.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.07\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e*Mean ± SEM\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis research aimed to evaluate the production potential and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds (Tetra, Bovan Brown, Lohman, and Sasso). A total of 400 pullets were randomly assigned in a Completely Randomized Design experiment with genotypes as treatments. The experimented chickens were kept in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house with 100 pullets in each compartment and were fed commercial layer mash. The parameters evaluated during the experiment included age of sexual maturity, body weight, egg production rate, egg weight, egg quality parameters, feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality rate. The study found that Bovan Brown had the best reproductive performance, while Lohman had the highest egg production, and Sasso had the highest body weight gain per week. In addition, Bovan Brown had the largest egg weight, yolk color, albumin weight, and shell weight. The study also found that Bovan Brown had the lowest mortality rate compared to the other breeds. Based on the result, Bovan Brown breed was the most suitable for local conditions. This study also shows that each of the four improved chicken breeds has unique characteristics and advantages. Based on the aforementioned conclusion, the following recommendations are forwarded\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bovan Brown breed is recommended for farmers who are more interested in reproductive performance while the Sasso breed is highly recommended for those farmers/entrepreneurs who focused on high body weight gain, and Lohman is recommended for high egg production.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlso, the current study suggests that farmers should consider the unique characteristics of each breed according to their production goals.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdditional research investigations should be conducted to understand the genetic potential of chicken breeds and to develop breeding programs for the local markets.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, breeds that can adapt to different environmental conditions and diseases should be furtherly studied through research\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinally, farmers are advised to prioritize the health and welfare of their chicken flock to improve production performance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for Publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors have agreed to the submission and publication of this manuscript. We confirm that the manuscript, including any identifiable information, does not violate any confidentiality agreements and that consent for publication has been obtained from all relevant parties.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of Data and Materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable up on request from the corresponding author (Shaban Mohamed Abdi email: [email protected]).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomali Region Pastoral and Agropastoral Research Institute\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShaban Mohamed Abdi conceived the study, contributed to the study design, performed the analysis, and manuscript writing. Abdi Abdilahi Ahmed, Fosiya Hussein, and Ahmed Aden Dek contributed data duration and visualization. Shaban Mohamed Abdi reviewed and edited the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors extend their gratitude to the Somali Region livestock and Agricultural Research Institute for funding this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval and Declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study, titled \u0026quot;Comparative Evaluation of Production Potential and Reproductive Traits of Selected Improved Chicken Breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia,\u0026quot; has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, in accordance with national and international ethical standards for animal research. All procedures involving animals were conducted with the utmost care to ensure their welfare and minimize any distress or harm. The study design adheres to ethical principles for the humane treatment of animals throughout the research process.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical Trial\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApu, A.S. \u0026amp; Saleque, M.A. 2012. Impact of innovative approaches for increased family poultry production and scaling up the livelihoods in Bangladesh. Paper presented at the XXIV World\u0026rsquo;s Poultry Congress, 5\u0026ndash;9 August 2012, Salvador, Brazil.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBhuiyan, A.K.F.H. 2011. Implementation of National Livestock Development Policy (2007) and National Poultry Development Policy (2008): Impact on smallholder livestock rearers. Keynote paper presented at the workshop organized by the South Asia Pro Poor Livestock Policy Program (SAPPLPP) and BRAC held at the BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCSA (Central Statistic Authority), 2021. Federal Democratic Republic ofEthiopia Central Statistical Agency Agricultural Sample Survey 2020/21.Report on Livestock and Livestock Characteristics (Private Peasant Holdings),Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCSA (Central Statistical Agency), 2021. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCSA (Central Statistical Agency), 2014. Agricultural Sample Survey Volume II Report on Livestock and Livestock Characteristics (Private Peasant Holdings). Tatistical Bulletin 589 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCSA (Central Statistical Agency), 2018. Agricultural Sample Survey. Report on Livestock and Livestock Characteristics. Volume II. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pp. 12-15.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDavid F. 2010. The Role of poultry in human nutrition. Poultry Development review. pp. 90\u0026ndash;104.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAO. 2019. Poultry Sector Ethiopia FAO Animal Production and Health Livestock Country Reviews, No. 11 (Rome), pp. 1-60.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGebre Tona M (2018) Poultry Production, Consumption, Marketing and Associated Challenges in Ethiopia. Br J Poult Sci 7: 16\u0026ndash;28.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMazengia H., 2012. Review on major viral diseases of chickens reported in Ethiopia. \u003cem\u003eJ. Infect. Dis. Immunity\u003c/em\u003e. 2012; 4:1\u0026ndash;9. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMengasha M. Tamir B. and Dessie T. 2011. Village Chicken Constraints andTraditional Management Practices in Jamma District, South Wollo, and Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development., 23 (37). Retrievedhttp://wwww.lrrd.org/lrrd23/2/meng23037.htm.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoges, F., A. Mellesse and T. Dessie, 2010. Assessment of village chicken production system and evaluation of the productive and reproductive performance of local chicken ecotype in Bure district, North West Ethiopia. \u003cem\u003eAfr. J. Agric. Res\u003c/em\u003e., 5: 1739-1748.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePodchalwar Kundan, 2011. Studies on comparative performance of three crossbred chickens suitable for rural farming. MSc Thesis. Anand Agriultural University, Anand,India\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTamir, S., F. Moges, Y. Tilahun and M. Hile, 2015. Determinants of adoption of exotic poultry breeds among smallholder poultry producers in North Western Amahara Region, Ethiopia. \u003cem\u003eGlobal Sci. Res. J.,\u003c/em\u003e 3: 16216\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThomas X. Diao and D. Roy, 2009. Impact of a potential avian flu outbreak in Ethiopia: multimarket model analysis controlling avian flu and protecting people\u0026rsquo;s livelihoods in Africa and Indonesia,HPA research Brief No13.http://www.ifpria.org/sitesdefAult /files/publications/hpairb13.pdf.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-animals","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Animals](https://link.springer.com/journal/44338)","snPcode":"44338","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/44338/3","title":"Discover Animals","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Bovan Brown, Sasso, Tetra, productive performance, egg quality, Lohman","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7834817/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7834817/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIn Ethiopia, poultry industry plays a significant role in the supply of human food (eggs and meat) in rural and urban area and as a source of income, especially to small holder farmers This study aimed to evaluate the production potential and growth performance of four improved chicken breeds (Tetra, Bovan Brown, Lohman Brown, and Sasso). A total of 400 pullets were randomly assigned in a Completely Randomized Design experiment with genotypes as treatments. The birds were kept in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house with 100 pullets in each compartment and were fed commercial layer mash. The parameters evaluated during the experiment included age of sexual maturity, body weight, egg production rate, egg weight, egg quality parameters, feed intake, feed conversion, and mortality rate. The study found that Bovan Brown had the best reproductive performance, while Lohman had the highest egg production, and Sasso had the highest body weight gain per week. In addition, Bovan Brown had the largest egg weight, yolk color, albumin weight, and shell weight. The study also found that Bovan Brown had the lowest mortality rate compared to the other breeds. Based on the result, Bovan Brown breed was the most suitable for local conditions. Further research into genetic traits to enhance breeding programs and improve production performance is recommended. Implementing these recommendations would contribute to improving the profitability and sustainability of chicken farming in Ethiopia.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Comparative Evaluation of Production Potential and Reproductive Traits of Selected Improved Chicken Breeds at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-10-28 21:10:19","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7834817/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-10-26T16:33:03+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"35743441501459238856500515025954957911","date":"2025-10-23T11:06:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-22T23:01:12+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-20T11:35:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-15T12:43:36+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"327137117592533834878532053467315731690","date":"2025-10-15T12:15:24+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"40500602814565537735088553567943056822","date":"2025-10-15T11:56:23+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"42312309404694593614104776418012913249","date":"2025-10-15T06:30:48+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"152052007375671792271521730009231121784","date":"2025-10-15T05:50:49+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-10-14T16:45:06+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-10-13T10:11:46+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-10-13T08:27:32+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Animals","date":"2025-10-13T08:11:32+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-animals","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Animals](https://link.springer.com/journal/44338)","snPcode":"44338","submissionUrl":"https://submission.springernature.com/new-submission/44338/3","title":"Discover Animals","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"d348b63d-b8f2-403a-9fff-98bb27f21b1e","owner":[],"postedDate":"October 28th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-27T10:38:12+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-10-28 21:10:19","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7834817","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7834817","identity":"rs-7834817","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}