Assessment of weight gain between indigenous and exotic breed of broiler

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The project aimed to assess the weight gain differences between indigenous and exotic breeds of broiler chickens. The study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks, with a total of 100 broilers, comprising 50 indigenous breed (Yoruba chicken) and 50 exotic breed (Cobb 500). The broilers were raised under similar environmental conditions and fed a commercial broiler starter diet ad libitum. Weekly measurements of body weight were taken to track the growth performance of the birds. The results indicated that from week 1 to week 8, the exotic breed broilers consistently outperformed the indigenous breed in terms of weight gain. The average weekly weight gain of the exotic breed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to the indigenous breed throughout the study period. By the end of the 8-week period, the exotic breed broilers had attained a significantly higher body weight compared to the indigenous breed. These findings suggest that the exotic breed (Cobb 500) has superior growth potential and weight gain efficiency compared to the indigenous Yoruba chicken breed under the same management conditions. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying genetic and physiological factors contributing to the weight gain differences observed between these two breeds of broilers.