Kuroiler chicken grows faster and reaches maturity earlier. It can attain a body weight of 3-4 kg in six months, compared to 1.5 kg for the local chicken.
Kuroiler chicken produces more eggs per year, ranging from 150 to 200 eggs, compared to 40 eggs for the local chicken. The eggs are also bigger and have a dark yellow yolk that is preferred by many consumers.
Kuroiler chicken has a high survival rate and can adapt to different agro-ecological zones. It can withstand diseases and parasites better than the local chicken.
Kuroiler chicken can scavenge for food and does not require expensive commercial feeds. It can feed on kitchen waste, vegetable market waste, grass, termites, and other available resources.
Kuroiler chicken has a good market demand and fetches a higher price than the local chicken. It has a good quality meat that is tender and tasty.
How to start a Kuroiler chicken farm?
To start a Kuroiler chicken farm, you will need to consider the following aspects:
Source of chicks: You can buy Kuroiler chicks from reputable hatcheries or distributors in your area. Make sure you buy healthy and vaccinated chicks from certified sources. You can also hatch your own Kuroiler chicks using an incubator or a broody hen, but you will need to buy fertile eggs from reliable sources.
Housing: You can raise Kuroiler chickens in free-range or semi-intensive systems. In free-range systems, you will need to provide a shelter or coop where the chickens can roost at night and lay eggs. The shelter should be well ventilated, dry, clean, and secure from predators. In semi-intensive systems, you will need to confine the chickens in a fenced area with access to water and feed. The fenced area should have enough space for the chickens to move around and forage. You can also provide some shade and perches for the chickens.
Feeding: You can feed your Kuroiler chickens with a combination of scavenging and supplementary feeding. Scavenging will provide most of the nutrients that the chickens need, but you will need to supplement their diet with some commercial or homemade feeds to ensure optimal growth and egg production. You can use maize, soya, omena, sunflower cake, or chicken mash as supplementary feeds. You should also provide clean and fresh water for your chickens at all times.
Health care: You should vaccinate your Kuroiler chickens against common diseases such as Newcastle disease, fowl pox, fowl typhoid, and infectious bursal disease. You should also deworm your chickens regularly and check for signs of parasites such as lice and mites. You should keep your chickens in hygienic conditions and isolate any sick or injured birds from the rest of the flock.
Marketing: You can sell your Kuroiler chickens or eggs to various markets such as hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, or individual consumers. You can also form groups with other Kuroiler farmers and sell your products collectively to increase your bargaining power and reduce transportation costs. You should keep records of your production and sales to monitor your performance and profitability.
Conclusion
Kuroiler chicken farming is a viable and rewarding venture for smallholder farmers who want to diversify their income and improve their food security. Kuroiler chicken is a superior breed that has high productivity of both meat and eggs under low-input scavenging conditions. Kuroiler chicken farming requires minimal investment and management, but it can generate significant returns and benefits for the farmers and their families.
References:
: Guni, F.S., Mbaga, S.H., Katule, A.M. et al. Performance evaluation of Kuroiler and Sasso chicken breeds reared under farmer management conditions in highland and lowland areas of Mvomero district, Eastern Tanzania. Trop Anim Health Prod 53, 245 (2021). [1].
: Kuroiler chicken brochure. GlobalGiving. [2].
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