FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY OF

CROSSES OF NIGERIAN

INDIGENOUSCHICKEN

BY

ALAO HARUNA ADEKUNLE

MATRIC NO: 2006/0409

BEING A FINAL PROJECT REPORT SUBMITED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND

GRNETICS, COLLEGE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT

FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR

OF AGRICULTURE (B.AGRIC) OF THE UNIVERSITY

OF AGRICULTURE,ABEOKUTA,NIGERIA.

JUNE,2011

CERTIFICATION This is to certify that ALAO HARUNA ADEKUNLE of the Department of Animal

Breeding and Genetics, with Matriculation Number 2006/0409, carried out the project

reported herein for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric) of University of

Agriculture ,Abeokuta Ogun State , Nigeria.

Prof .M.O. Ozoje Date

Supervisor

DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to the Almighty God the Most Beneficient the especially

Merciful for his protection and guidance on me.

I also dedicate this success to my wonderful parents and siblings, I thank them for

denying themselves all luxuries of life for my sake, may they live long to enjoy the fruit of

their hard labour and sacrifice (AMIN).

Finally, to those colleagues who lost their lives during the course of the struggle. May their

gentle souls rest in perfect peace.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I give thanks to the Lord for his mercies over me throughout the cause of this

programme. If not for God, this success would not have been possible. I therefore give God

all glory and thanks for making this programme a testimony.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation and profound gratitude to Prof. M.O. Ozoje

, under whose supervision this work was done. I appreciate his guidance, tolerance, love, and

assistance from the beginning. I also wish to express my appreciation to Akinsowon Yetunde

and Adio Temilola for their cooperation during the course of the study.

I have conviction of indebtedness to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alao for sacrificing so

much for my success, I cannot but appreciate the sacrifice they made in order to give me the

best. May god fortified them with longevity of life to enjoy the fruit of their labour.

I express my profound gratitude to the H.O.D, Prof. C.O.N. Ikeobi and the entire lecturers

and non-academic staff of my department they are all so daring and lovely.

This acknowledgment will grossly be inadequate without registering my unblended

appreciation to the entire members of my family, the Shekonis, Solajas, Adeoyes and other

members of my family for their spiritual and financial support at all times.

I am indebted to all my friends, Ogunremi Soliudeen B. Adewunmi Lukman, Akinlawon

Afolabi, Ogunjimi Inumidun, Popoola Micheal, Olaofe Ajoke and the one who is more than a

friend to me, Kareem Temitope Saidat. I am highly gratefull.

Alao Haruna Adekunle 2011.

ABSTRACT A total number of 247 eggs were used for this research work from six genotype of

local chickens, which are Normal X Naked, Frizzle X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal for the

straight cross, while the reciprocal cross includes Naked X Normal, Naked X Frizzle and

Normal X Frizzle. Consequently, fertile eggs were generated from all the crosses made. The

fertile eggs were then incubated to evaluate the percentage fertility and hatchability of eggs.

It was found from study that the Normal x Frizzle cross had the highest fertility

(80.65%), while Normal X Naked cross chicken had the highest hatchability (82.35%). The

lowest rate of fertility and hatchability was recorded among the Frizzle X Normal (45.90%

and (50%) respectively. The results from this study revealed that the indigenous chicken can

play a major role in the production of hatchable eggs for incubation.

TABLE OF CONTENT

PAGE

CERTIFICATION ……………………………………………………………………. i

DEDICATION……………………………………………………………… ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT………………………………………………………………. iii

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………… iv

CHAPTER ONE................................................................................................................ 1

1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................1

1.1Justification……………………………………………………………………………..4

1.2 General Objective………………………………………………………………………4

1.3 Specific Objectives…………………………………………………………………......4

CHAPTER TWO…………………………………………………………………………5

2.0 Literature Review………………………………………………………………………5

2.1 Characteristics of The Nigerian Indigenous Chicken…………………………………..5

2.2 Laying Performances Of The Nigerian Indigenous Chicken…………………………..5-6

2.3 Adaptation Of The Chickens In The Tropical Environment……………………………6

2.4 Fertility And Hatchability……………………………………………………………….7

2.5 Factors Affecting Fertility And Hatchability……………………………………………8

2.6 Effects Of Time Of Storage On Fertility and Hatchability………………………………9

2.7 Effect Of Season On Fertility………………………………………………………...9

CHAPTER THREE...............................................................................................................10

3.0 Materials And Methods…………………………………………………………………..10

3.1Description Of The Environment………………………………………………………....10

3.2The Experimental Birds…………………………………………………………………...10

3.3Housing And Management………………………………………………………………..10

3.4Mating And Mating Design……………………………………………………………….11

3.5Mating Design...…………………………………………………………………………..11 3.6 Semen Collection Procedure…………………………………………………………11-12 3.7 Insemination Of Female…………………………………………………………………12

3.8Egg Collection Procedure…………………………………………………………………12

3.8.1Egg Storage And Preservation………………...…………………………………….….13

3.9Incubation, Candling And Hatching…………..………………………………………....13

3.9.1Candling Process………………………………………………………………………..13

3.4.0 Data Collection…………………………………………………………………………14

3.4.1 Statistical Analysis…….………………………………………………………………15

CHAPTER FOUR………………………………………………………………………….16

4.0 Result…………………………………………………………………………….…17-24

4.1Discussion……………..……...………………………………………………….……25-26

CHAPTER FIVE………………………………………………………………………...…27

5.0 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………...27

5.1 Recommendations………………………………………………………………………..27

References……………………………………………………………………………..…28-41

List of Figures

Fig.1 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Fertility Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken………………………………………………………………………………………17

Fig2. Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Fertility Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken………………………………………………………………………………..........18

Fig. 3 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Hatchability Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken………………………………………………………………………..19

Fig. 4 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Hatchability Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken..………………………………………………………………………19

Fig. 5 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken……………..………………………………………………20

Fig. 6 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken……………………………………………………………………….21

Fig. 7 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Germ Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken……………………………..………………………………………..22

Fig. 8 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Germ Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken………………………………………………………………………22

Fig. 9 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Weak In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken……………………………………………………………………….23

Fig. 10 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Weak In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken……………………………………………………………………….24

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Poultry production is one area of animal production with significant contribution to

human food production. Poultry products provide protein of high biological value (Epstein,

1990). Nigeria is endowed with many poultry species which are indigenous to the country.

These have lived, adapted and reproduced for several years in the Nigeria environment.

Momoh, (2005) estimated poultry population in Nigeria to be about 33million. With the ever

growing population and improvement in the living standard of Nigerians, the demand for egg

and other poultry products will continue to grow.

Poultry production forms an important component of the livestock subsector in

Nigeria. WIIAD (2002) asserted that in terms of poultry production in African, Nigeria rate

highest with a total of 190million chickens. The contribution of poultry production to total

livestock output increased from 26% in 1995 to 27% in 1999 while increase in production of

table eggs accounted for about 13% during the same period (CBN 1999). The two most

important factors responsible for the phenomenal increase in poultry production in Nigeria

were identified as its profitability and quick returns to invested capital (Daf et al. 1993 and

Ogundipe et al. 2002).

According to FAO (2003), poultry meat and egg account for more than 28% of total

animal protein produced worldwide in 1997, this is because chicken is very easy to rear and it

is abundantly available all over the African countries. Statistical data reveal that Nigeria is

abundantly endowed with 104,257,960 poultry species with about of which 72,400,854

account for domestic chicken and 69,244,194 accounts for chicken reared extensively under

village settings , while 4,156,660 chicken accounts for those reared in urban cities

(Adebambo, 2003). FAOSTAT (2001) put the population of chicken species in Nigeria as 37

million in 1961 and 126 million in 2000.

The indigenous chickens are essential part of the Nigerian societies. They are reported

to be domesticated as early as 2500BC (Farel, 1995).Peters (2000) reported that indigenous

chicken are characterized by hardiness, and disease tolerance. He also stressed that their

survival depends on natural selection which makes them genetically envied for genetic

exploration and hybrid vigor exploitation.

Earlier attempts to improve the performance of local chickens started in the late 30’s

(Otchere et al., 1990) in which there was the introduction of the village poultry improvement

scheme which was based on cockerel exchange. These attempts have been made in the past to

improve the productivity of the indigenous chicken because of its potential as a source of

meat to reduce significantly the gap of animal protein deficiency in the society. One of the

ways to enhance the commercial values of the local chicken is to improve their fertility and

breeding performance. This may be achieved through the utilization of advantageous gene in

breeding strategies. Horst (1998) identified nine major genes of the indigenous chicken that

can be used in genetic improvement programme. Among these include the Naked Neck (Na),

and frizzle gene (FZ), in our local chicken populations. (Machebe et al. .2005) reported that

birds which possesses these genes need to be explored for the development of a viable

indigenous poultry industry

Artificial Insemination is the most valuable management practice available to

livestock production and one of the tools that the breeders can use to achieve better

reproductive efficiency on the quest for the development of chicken (Islam et al., 2002).

Fertility refers to the fertile status of group of eggs laid by hens and by commercial flocks it

is expressed as the percentage of the total egg laid (Wichart et al., 2001). Fertility is also

expressed as the percentage of egg fertilized and it is judged by candling or microscopy

(Wilson, 1990). The ultimate test of fertility can only be done by depositing semen in the

oviduct of the hens and the evaluation is only possible when sufficient spermatozoa number

are inseminated with optimum frequency (Sexton and Random, 1988).

Fertility in local chicken is the ability to reproduce. Peters et al. (2005) described

fertility as the fertile state of group of eggs laid over a period of time by a single hen, or by

commercial flocks and is usually expressed as the percentage of total eggs laid (Wishart., et

al. 2000). Peters et al. (2005) also reported that egg fertility had been affected by age of

breeder, exposure to high temperature, nutrient, management, mating ratio and semen quality.

Hatchability on the other hand refers to the proportion of fertile eggs that continue

development and produced viable chicken (Peter et al. 2005). Hatchability also refers to the

percentage of hatched eggs reported either as percentage of fertile eggs hatched; or

percentage of chicks hatched from all eggs in the incubator. According to Allese et al. (1993),

Zygote development and thus hatchability are traits of the embryo influenced by maternal

effects. In most previous studies, they were considered solely as female reproductive traits

(Sewalem et al. 1998).

Fertility and hatchability are the most important determinant for producing more

chicks from a given number of breeding stocks within a stipulated period (Islam et al. 2002).

Oluyemi (1990) and Peters (2000) revealed that poor performance of local chicken is a

function of their exposure to extremes fluctuating and adverse effect of weather under

scavenging or extensive system.

Adebambo (2003) prescribed viable and workable breeding policy to improve

programmes in animal breeding with a view to exploring the genetically endowed Nigeria

local chicken. Three major genes were used to describe the potential of the local chicken in

Nigeria which are Naked Neck gene, Frizzle feathered gene and Smooth feathered gene or

Non Naked or Non frizzle gene.

1.1 JUSTIFICATION

1. The huge foreign exchange channeled towards the importation of exotic stock

2. There is a paucity of data on fertility and hatchability of crosses of Nigerian

indigenous chicken.

3. Fertility and hatchability are important parameters that determine the profitability of

the poultry enterprises

4. There is need to compare the fertility and hatchability of different crosses of

indigenous chicken so as to measure the progress that have been made.

1.2 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To study the fertility and hatchability of crosses of Nigerian indigenous chickens.

1.3 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. To determine and compare the fertility of crosses of Nigerian indigenous chickens.

2. To compare the hatchability of the crosses of Nigerian indigenous chickens.

3. To make recommendations based on research findings.

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CHICKEN

The Nigerian indigenous chicken can be classified as a light breed, with small oblong

head and vigorous outlook (Ibe, 1992). Hill & Modebe, (1996) reported that the neck of the

indigenous chicken varied in length ranging from 5.6cm to 14cm with a mean of about

10.17cm. They further described the indigenous chicken as having pin lash-white skin,

usually covered at a fairly long and densely covering fluff. Eshietter and Okere (1990)

reported that the Nigerian chicken has multicoulored feather with several variation.

Peters (2000) reported the superiority of frizzled feathered birds over naked neck

birds with regards to body weight and chest girth. However, the naked neck broiler had

higher growth rate and meat yield compared to normal birds under high temperature, (Yunis

and Cahaner, 1994). He also reported that the frizzle feathered gene, increases heat

conductivity of the feather coverage by affecting feather structure, and its effect on layers

performance was reportedly significant.

2.2 LAYING PERFORMANCES OF THE NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS CHICKEN

The egg laying ability of the Nigerian indigenous chicken varies with the type of

management systems. Peters (2000) discovered that normal feathered dam laid highest

number of eggs than the frizzle feathered and naked neck dam respectively. Sonaiya and

Olori (1990) indicated that an average of 9 eggs were laid within the period of 12days. Ikeobi

et al. (1996) opined that the production of 8 – 9 eggs per clutch was laid within 12 – 14 days

during a laying period of 32 – 36 weeks.

Nwosu (1979) observed that the indigenous chicken produce 100 eggs per year

under extensive management system and 124 to 128 eggs per year under the intensive

management system. Omeje and Nwosu (1984) discovered average egg weight at 1st day to

be 25.75g and at 52weeks they recorded average weight of 40.36g. Akinokun (1975) reported

mean egg weight of 36g at 52 weeks. Oluyemi and Roberts (1979) classified the indigenous

chicken as white egg layers while Olori (1992) and Olori and Sonaiya (1992) reported that

the indigenous laid both brown and white eggs.

2.3 ADAPTATION OF THE CHICKENS IN THE TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

The hardy nature of the local chicken as manifested in their resistance to certain

disease and their ability to thrive well under harsh condition had helped in their adaptation in

the tropical environment which is characterized by stress factor (Horst 1989).

Research reveals that Naked neck chicken has highest egg weight followed by frizzle

feathered and lastly normal feathered chickens as reported by Ikeobi et al. (1996) and Peters

(2003). Variation in egg weight/size, egg length and breadth is said to be influenced by the

possession of major genes, dam genotype and environmental factors influence on the chicken.

The possession of major genes influence the utilization of available food reserve for egg

production as determined by Peters (2000) Ikeobi et al. (1996) and Ibe (1993).

Ikeobi et al. (1996) also attributed performance of the naked neck birds and the frizzle

feathered birds when compared to the normal feathering birds in terms of feed efficiency to

the thermoregulatory roles of the genes they posses.

2.4 FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY

According to Wichart et al (2001), fertile eggs are eggs that are capable of hatching.

They are eggs that have been fertilized and have formed embryo at ovipositor while fertility

is the fertile status of groups of eggs laid over a period of time by single hens, by small group

of hens or by commercial flock. Beanmont (1992) reported the measure of fertility as number

of eggs fertile and hatched eggs during a 21days period after Artificial Insemination.

Moya et al (1992) in an experiment reported that 28 to 34 weeks old hens were

inseminated at intervals of 5 or 7 days with a semen dose containing 150 + 20x106

spermatozoa. The incubated eggs from their hens had egg fertility average of 98.6% and

98.5% and hatchability of 78.7% and 76.8% respectively. The difference between the groups

was not significant.

Fayeye et al. (2005) reported that the Fulani ecotype chicken have a percentage

fertility of 76% with a significantly low hatchability (56%) recorded for the normal feathered

chicken. Factors that may result in embryonic mortality and influence hatchability includes

egg age, storage condition, system of husbandry, and relative humidity.

Ajayi et al. (2008) reported that percentage hatchability was higher for naked neck

chicken (73.1%) while the least was recorded for the normal feather chicken (58%). He also

noted that the superiority of the frizzled genotype with respect to hatchability could be

attributed to the greater efficiency of thermoregulation that is associated with their gene.

Moya et al (1991) also reported that for 2202 eggs from 96 hens that were

inseminated with semen dose containing 200x106 spermatozoa at 4 days interval. Fertility and

hatchability average 91.3% and 74.8% respectively versus 91.6% and 75.8% for 2128 eggs

from 96 hens inseminated with 150x106 spermatozoa at 7 days interval. The differences

between the two groups were not significant.

2.5 FACTORS AFFECTING FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY

Asuquo et al. (1993) established that egg size has a marked effect on hatchability and

this was in agreement with what was reported by Pascal (1981). He reported also that

hatchability is at maximum when medium egg size is set for hatching, stressing that there was

a significant difference between the medium and large eggs, with average percentage of

88.24% and 84.79% respectively. The different in hatchability they claimed was probably

due to embryonic mortality because there was a high correlation between medium (r ═ 0.84)

and large (r ═ 0.98) eggs.

Avigdor et al. (1986) submitted that among the factors causing difference in

hatchability of eggs among chicken is the effect of the breed differences. Oluyemi & Robert

(1979) reported that fertility and hatchability of eggs are both functions of breed and

environment. Peters et al. (2008) confirmed that dam strain had prominent effect on fertility

and hatchability of eggs.

Peters (2002) discovered that the effect of strain and breed difference do affect

fertility of eggs where he reveals that smooth/normal feathered local chicken laid more fertile

eggs then followed by frizzle feathered strain and naked neck strain respectively. The

superior effect on fertility demonstrated by smooth feathered local chicken is influenced by

sire strain effect, which probably may be due to the productivity quality of the semen with

higher sperm concentration, mobility and livability.

Hatchability to a large extent is a derivative of fertility except for the presence of

major genes and strain/breed difference that affects embryonic livability (Avigor et al. 1986

and Peters et al. 2005). Peter et al. (2008) opined that dam strain proffers an obvious effect

on fertility and hatchability of eggs.

2.6 EFFECTS OF TIME OF STORAGE ON FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY

Meijerhof (1992) reported that during storage, hatching is influenced by the length of

storage period, temperature, humidity, general environment and the orientation of the eggs.

Storage temperature should be lower for prolonged storage of eggs. The author also reported

that humidity during storage improve hatchability, probably due to a reduction in water lost.

Sarda─Jova (1992) reported that storage of eggs for up to 7 days had no significant

effect on egg hatchability. He also reported that there was a highly significant deterioration in

egg quality with increasing length of storage. The quality of fresh egg were higher than that

of egg stored in a refrigerator or at an ambient temperature and the quality of egg refrigerated

was higher than that of eggs stored at ambient temperature.

2.7 EFFECT OF SEASON ON FERTILITY

Sanda─Jova (1992) also reported that eggs hatched in November to December tend to

have lower hatchability (78.5% – 81.5%) than those hatched in January to April (81.3% -

86.1%).

Wilson et al. (1998) recommended that turning of hatching eggs can be stopped at 16

days of incubation without adversely affecting hatchability.

Fan et al (1993) reported that egg laid between 5:00hr and 11:00hr had higher fertility

than eggs laid between 11:00hr and 17:00hr. Hatchability of fertile eggs was highest for eggs

laid between 5:00hr and 8:00hr. Hatchability decreased progressively for eggs laid later in the

day.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The research was carried out at the poultry-breeding unit of the department of Animal

Breeding and Genetics of the University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Alabata, Abeokuta,

Nigeria. The area lies in the South West of Nigeria and has a prevailing tropical climate with

a mean annual rainfall of about 1037mm. The mean ambient temperature ranges from 280C in

December to 300C in February with a yearly average of 34%. Relative humidity ranges from

60% in January to 94% in August with a year average of about 82%.

3.2 THE EXPERIMENTAL BIRDS

The birds used for the research were obtained from the experimental birds kept by the poultry

breeding unit of the department of Animal Breeding and Genetics. Three different genetic

groups were selected from the stock maintained at the breeding unit of the farm. The genetic

groups selected were Naked Neck strain (Na), frizzle feathered strain (Fz ) and Normal

Feathered strain(Nm).

3.3 HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT

The breeding cocks were housed separately in the continuous battery cage (at the

breeding unit according to the three different crosses). The dams were also housed in the

opposite battery cage where artificial insemination was carried out.

.

3.4 MATING AND MATING DESIGN

Fertilized eggs used for this study was generated by crossing the parent stock of

Nigeria indigenous chicken (normal, frizzled feather and naked neck) maintained at the

poultry breeding unit of the department of Animal Breeding and Genetics of the University of

Agriculture, Abeokuta.

These birds were individually wing tagged for identification purpose.

3.5 MATING DESIGN

Direct Cross

SIRE DAM GENOTYPE

Normal feather

Frizzle feather

Frizzle feather

Naked neck

Naked neck

Normal feather

Normal x Naked

Frizzle x Naked

Frizzle x Normal

Reciprocal Cross

SIRE DAM GENOTYPE

Naked neck

Naked neck

Normal feather

Normal feather

Frizzle feather

Frizzle feather

Naked x Normal

Naked x Frizzle

Normal x Frizzle

3.6 SEMEN COLLECTION PROCEDURE

Individual male was massaged at the back close to the tail while a slight finger

massage was applied at the base of the tail. The phallus then became erect within the cloaca.

Pressure was applied around the cloaca. The tail was flattened towards the back of the bird

causing the phallus to protrude from cloaca. The thumb was then used to press on the birds

abdomen directly beneath its vent. This caused semen to be released from the ductus

differential almost immediately and the semen was gently squeezed from the swollen papillae

at the base of the phallus into eppendoff tube. Any blood stained or contaminated semen was

avoided. All collection apparatus were sterilized and kept clean before use.

3.7 INSEMINATION OF FEMALE

The hen’s oviduct was exposed from the cloaca before she was inseminated. A person

held the bird, the head down between their legs across their chest. The oviduct was everted by

pressing the tail towards the back and by gently pressing the birds abdomen with the other

hand. Left hand side of the abdomen was pressed because only the left oviduct is functional

in female bird. The semen was inserted into the inverted oviduct with the aid of a paspet deep

enough to deposit sperm close to the sperm storage gland in the virginal. Best depth is within

the range of 20mm for domestic fowl.

3.8 EGG COLLECTION PROCEDURE

Colletion of fertile eggs began few days after insemination. Egg laid was numbered to

identify its sire and dam and the eggs were collected on daily basis to avoid evaporation of

the internal egg content to sunshine intensity of the tropics. Only sound eggs without cracks

and discolouration were collected. Physically shaped and sound eggs were collected for this

research study. The eggs were properly labeled to indicate the dam number, genotype, and

the date laid before sending them to the hatchery on weekly basis.

3.8.1 EGG STORAGE AND PRESERVATION

After the collection of egg, the eggs were stored for a duration of 7days under room

temperature with a relative humidity of about 80% after which the eggs were conveyed for

incubation at UNAAB Agro-allied hatchery at Kotopo Village, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

3.9 INCUBATION, CANDLING AND HATCHING

The most desirable egg set at the incubator where those that are clean, free of defect,

fairly large and yet, retain good shell quality. The eggs were placed with the large end up in

the tray and the eggs were clearly labeled. Four factors of major importance include:

temperature, humidity, ventilation and turning that were also taken into consideration. The

eggs were set at the temperature of 38-39oC and humidity of 60-65% for the first eighteen

days. The eggs were also turned automatically through 90oC in the incubator.

3.9.1 CANDLING PROCESS

Candling was carried out on the 18th day of incubation for the identification of fertile

eggs, and clear eggs. The process was carried out in a dark room using a Candler fixed with

a neon fluorescent tubes. The eggs were placed on the Candler for easy penetration of light

through the eggs and the eggs were viewed against the source of light. The fertile eggs were

seen to be densely clouded and opaque with network of veins indicating development of

embryo within the eggs while the unfertile eggs were translucent under the light. Number of

infertile and embryonic mortality were recorded. After candling, the fertile eggs were

transferred into the hatching tray according to the genotypes into the hatchery unit and spent

three days. After the chicks hatched, they were leaved in the hatchery until 90% were dried.

On the 21st day, the numbers of hatched chicks including the normal, weak, abnormal chicks

and dead chicks after hatch were recorded.

3.4.0 DATA COLLECTION

Egg data were taken immediately after the collection to avoid loss of identification.

The egg parameters taken include:

1. Egg number, this is the total number of eggs laid by each crosses during

experimental period.

2. Percentage fertility: This is taken as the percentage of eggs that were fertile out of

the eggs set.

Percentage Fertility = Number of fertile eggs x 100 Number of set eggs

3. Percentage Hatchability: This is taken as the percentage of eggs that hatched out

of all the fertile eggs set.

Percentage Hatchability = Number of chicks hatched x 100 Number of fertile eggs

4. Percentage dead in shell: This is taken as the percentage of dead in shell out of all

the fertile eggs set

Percentage Dead in shell = Number of dead in shell x 100 Number of fertile eggs

5. Percentage dead in germ: This is taken as the percentage of dead in germ out of

all the fertile eggs set

Percentage Dead in germ = Number of dead in germ x 100 Number of fertile eggs

6. Percentage weak in shell: This is taken as the percentage of weak in shell out of

all the fertile eggs set

Percentage Weak in shell = Number of weak in shell x 100 Number of fertile eggs

3.4.1 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics was used to analysis the data collected. The descriptive statistics

used include:

Bar Chart: A bar chart is simply a rectangular shape of different height. The height of

the rectangle represents the size of the data being presented.

Pie Chart: A pie chart is simply a circle divided into sections. This circle represents

the total of the data being presented and section is drawn proportionally to its relative

size.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Result

Table 1 Fertility and Hatchability of Different Crosses of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

DIRECT MATING RECIPROCAL MATING TRAIT Normal x

Naked Frizzle x Naked

Frizzle x Normal

Total Naked x Normal

Naked x Frizzle

Normal x Frizzle

Total

Number of egg set Number of Fertile eggs Number of Hatched eggs Number of Dead in shell Number of Dead in germ Number of Weak Fertility (%) Hatchability (%) Dead in shell (%) Dead in germ% (%) Weak (%)

23 17 14 1 2 0 73.91 82.35 5.88 11.76 0

31 19 13 4 1 1 61.29 68.42 21.05 5.26 5.26

61 28 14 7 6 1 45.90 50 25 21.43 3.57

115 64 41 12 9 2 55.65 64.06 18.75 14.06 3.13

57 33 22 10 1 0 57.90 66.67 30.30 3.03 0

44 25 17 7 1 0 56.82 68 28 4 0

31 25 17 7 1 0 80.65 68 28 4 0

132 83 56 24 3 0 62.88 67.47 28.92 3.61 0

4.1 RESULT

Table 1 above shows the percentage fertility and hatchability of Crosses of Nigerian

indigenous chicken obtained from this study.

A total of 115 eggs were set for straight crosses with percentage fertility, percentage

hatchability, percentage dead in shell, percentage dead in germ and percentage Weak of

55.65%,64.06%,18.75%,14.06%,and 3.13% respectively. Also, a total of 132 eggs were set for

the reciprocal crosses with percentage fertility (62.88%), percentage hatchability (67.47%),

percentage dead in shell (28.92%), percentage dead in germ (3.61%) and percentage Weak (0%).

The percentage fertility for the straight crosses were 73.91%, 61.29 %, 45.90% for

Normal X Naked, Frizzle X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal respectively. Similarly the percentage

fertility for the reciprocal crosses were 57.90%, 56.82%, and 80.65% for Naked X Normal,

Naked X Frizzle and Normal X Frizzle respectively. This is represented in the charts below.

Fig.1 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Fertility Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

FRI

ZZLE X

NAKED

NAKED

X

FR I ZZLE

NORMAL X FRIZZLE

FRIZZLE X NORMAL

NAKEDXNORMAL

NORMAL X NAKED

STRAIGHT CROSS

RECIPROCAL

KEY

Fig2. Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Fertility Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

The percentage hatchability for the straight crosses were 82.35%, 68.42%, 50%, for

Normal X Naked, Frizzle X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal respectively. Similarly the percentage

hatchability for the reciprocal crosses were 66.67%, 68%, 68%, for Naked X Normal, Naked X

Frizzle and Normal X Frizzle respectively. The least percentage hatchability was reported among

the Frizzle X Normal cross chicken (50%). This result is represented in the charts overleaf.

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL NORMAL

X NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NAKED

NORMAL x

FRIZZLE

NAKED X

NORMAL

NAKED X

FRIZZLE

DIRECT CROSS RECIPROCAL CROSS

Fig. 3 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Hatchability Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

Fig. 4 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Hatchability Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL NORMAL

X NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NAKED

NORMAL X NAKED

FRI ZZLE X NAKE

FRIZZLE X NORMAL

NAKEDXNORMAL

N A K E D X F R I ZZL E

NORMAL X FRIZZLE

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL NORMAL

X NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NAKED

The percentage dead in shell for the straight crosses were 5.88%, 21.05%, and 25% for

Normal X Naked, Frizzle X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal respectively while the percentage

Dead in shell for the reciprocal crosses were 30.30%, 28%, and 28% for Naked X Normal,

Naked X Frizzle and Normal X Frizzle respectively.

Fig. 5 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

NM X

NK

FRI

ZZLE X

NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL

NAKEDXNORMAL

NAKED

X

FR I ZZLE

NORMAL X FRIZZLE

STRAIGHT CROSS

RECIPROCAL

KEY

Fig. 6 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

The percentage dead in germ for the straight crosses was highest (21.43%) for Frizzle X

Normal while the Frizzle X Naked had the lowest percentage dead in germ of (5.26%).Dead in

germ for the reciprocal crosses was 4% for both Naked X Frizzle and Normal X Frizzle and

3.03% for the Naked X Normal cross.

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL

NORMAL X

NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL

NORMAL X

NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NAKED

DIRECT CROSS RECIPROCAL CROSS

Fig. 7 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Germ Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

Fig. 8 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Dead In Germ Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

0

5

10

15

20

25

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL

NORMAL X

NAKED

FRIZZLE X

NAKED

NORMAL x

FRIZZLE

NAKED X

NORMAL

NAKED X

FRIZZLE

NORMAL X

NAKED

F Z X

NK

FRIZZLE X NORMAL

NK X

NM

NK X

FR

NM X

FR

STRAIGHT CROSS

RECIPROCAL

KEY

DIRECT CROSS RECIPROCAL CROSS

The percentage Weak in shell for the straight crosses were 5.26%, and 3.57% for Frizzle

X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal .Normal X Naked, Naked X Normal, Naked X Frizzle and

Normal X Frizzle had no weak in shell

Fig. 9 Bar Chart Representation Of Percentage Weak In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

NORMAL X NAKED

F R I Z Z L E X NAKED

FR IZ Z L E X N O R M A L

NAKEDXNORMAL

NAKED

X

FR I

ZZLE

NORMAL X FRIZZLE

Fig. 10 Pie Chart Representation Of Percentage Weak In Shell Of Crosses Of Nigerian Indigenous Chicken

FRIZZLE X

NORMAL FRIZZLE X

NAKED

DIRECT CROSS

4.2 DISCUSSION

A total of 115 eggs were set for straight crosses with The percentage fertility (55.65%)

and percentage hatchability (64.06%) reported in this research for the total number of eggs set is

significantly lower than the 83.7% and 73.3% reported by Ajayi et al.(2008) for different

genotypes of indigenous chicken. Also, a total of 132 eggs were set for the reciprocal crosses

with percentage fertility (62.88%), percentage hatchability (67.47%), percentage dead in shell

(28.92%), percentage dead in germ (3.61%) and percentage Weak (0%). This result is

inconsistent with the findings of Orumuyi et al. (2008) for the two strains of Rhode Island

chickens.

The percentage fertility for the straight crosses were 73.91%, 61.29 %, 45.90% for

Normal X Naked, Frizzle X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal respectively. Similarly the percentage

fertility for the reciprocal crosses were 57.90%, 56.82%, and 80.65% for Naked X Normal,

Naked X Frizzle and Normal X Frizzle respectively. The fertility percentage reported in this

study for the six genotypes except for Normal x Frizzle cross (80.65%) were lower than the

76% reported by Fayeye et al. (2005) for Fulani ecotype chicken. The lowest fertility percentage

was recorded among the Frizzle x Normal cross chicken (45.90% ).

The Percentage hatchability reported in this study for the six genotypes except for the

Normal X Naked cross (82.35%) were lower than 75% reported by Akanni et al. for B-alpha

chiken. The least percentage hatchability was reported among the Frizzle X Normal cross

chicken (50%). The low hatchability recorded for the Frizzle X Normal cross chicken may not be

a true reflection of the genetic potential of this genotype as half of the embryo died few days

before hatching.

The percentage dead in shell for the straight crosses were 5.88%, 21.05%, and 25% for

Normal X Naked, Frizzle X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal respectively while the percentage

Dead in shell for the reciprocal crosses were 30.30%, 28%, and 28% for Naked X Normal,

Naked X Frizzle and Normal X Frizzle respectively. This report was inconsistent with the

findings of Akanni et al. (2008) who recorded 23.02% for the B-alpha chickens.

5.0 CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Conclusion

From the results obtained in this study, it was observed that there were significant differences

among the genetic group studied (Normal X Naked, Frizzle X Naked, and Frizzle X Normal)

and (Naked X Normal, Naked X Frizzle and Normal X Frizzle) gene with respects to fertility and

hatchability. It can be concluded from this study that the Normal x Frizzle cross had the highest

fertility (80.65%) while Normal X Naked cross chicken had the highest hatchability (82.35%).

Similarly the lowest fertility and hatchability was recorded for the Frizzle X Normal (45.90%)

and (50%) respectively.

5.1Recommendations

From the above conclusion, it could be recommended that:

1. For a higher fertility percentage, the Normal x Frizzle cross should be chosen ahead of

other genotypes.

2. To avoid economic loss, the Frizzle X Normal cross should be avoided because of the

low fertility and hatchability recorded among this genotype.

3. Further studies should be carried out with larger number of birds and eggs for a longer

duration to ascertain the reliability of the result.

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