Egg Production Performance and Mortality Rate of Exotic Chicken Kept under Traditional and Small Scale Intensive Production Systems in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia

Abstract This study was conducted to assess egg production performance and mortality rate of exotic chicken kept under traditional and small-scale intensive production system in Assosa town, benishangul gumuz region, western Ethiopia. To conduct this survey a total of 402 (385households and 10 key informants) samples were drawn by using random sampling. To measure some traits of egg production performance 30 eggs were taken from different exotic chicken breeds. Primary data were collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire, analyzed by (SAS, 2012) and presented by using tables and charts. Average number of Sasso T44, Bovans Brown and White leghorn chicken kept in small scale intensive production were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than chicken kept in traditional production. Average net income earned from exotic chicken kept in small scale intensive production was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than net income earned in traditional production. Mortality rate of Sasso T44, Bovans Brown and White leghorn breeds in traditional production was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than mortality rate in small scale intensive production. Average number of eggs laid by Bovans Brown, Sasso T44 and White leghorn chicken in small scale intensive production was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than eggs laid in traditional production. Major problems that affect egg production performance and mortality rate of exotic chicken in the study area were prevalence of disease and predators; poor feeding and housing management. Therefore, improvement of exotic chicken management practices could help to reduce mortality rate, boost egg production performance and thereby enhance the livelihood of small holders.