Comparative Analysis of Feed Efficiency in Indigenous Versus Commercial Poultry Breeds

Thesis Abstract

This study addresses the critical need to evaluate and compare the feed efficiency of indigenous and commercial poultry breeds in the context of sustainable poultry production and food security. As the demand for cost-effective and sustainable poultry farming escalates globally, understanding the genetic and physiological factors influencing feed conversion ratios (FCR) becomes imperative. Indigenous breeds are often presumed to have lower feed efficiency compared to commercial breeds, but empirical evidence remains limited, particularly within specific agro-ecological zones. This research aims to rigorously compare the feed efficiency of selected indigenous and commercial poultry breeds, with specific objectives to (1) quantify and compare the FCR of the breeds under standardized feeding conditions, (2) assess the growth performance and feed intake patterns, and (3) identify physiological and genetic factors associated with observed differences. The study adopts a comparative, cross-sectional research design grounded in positivist epistemology. The population comprises indigenous and commercial broiler and layer breeds reared within mixed farming systems in the southeastern region of the country. A total sample size of 200 birds—100 indigenous and 100 commercial—are selected through stratified random sampling to ensure breed and age uniformity. Data collection involves structured observational protocols, weekly weighing for growth performance metrics, and precise measurement of feed intake using individual feeding cages over a 12-week period. Data on feed consumption, body weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency are documented systematically. Instruments include calibrated electronic scales, feed intake recording devices, and validated questionnaires for contextual data. Validity of measurements is ensured through calibration and pilot testing, while reliability is established via repeated measures and inter-rater consistency. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics to profile the basic performance metrics, while inferential statistics such as one-way ANOVA are employed to compare mean FCRs across breed types. Regression analysis further elucidates the relationship between feed intake, body weight gain, and breed category. Genetic and physiological correlates are explored through physiochemical assays and molecular markers, where applicable, guided by the Theory of Evolutionary Adaptation and the Nutrition and Growth Hypotheses. Statistical significance is determined at p<0.05, and effect sizes are computed to gauge practical differences. It is anticipated that the study will reveal significant differences in feed efficiency between indigenous and commercial breeds, with commercial breeds exhibiting superior FCRs under optimal feeding conditions, yet indigenous breeds demonstrating resilience and better adaptability to local environmental conditions. The physiological basis for differential efficiency is expected to include variations in metabolic rate, gut morphology, and nutrient absorption efficiency, supported by genetic markers associated with growth and feed utilization. This research contributes novel insights into the comparative physiology and genetic makeup of indigenous versus commercial poultry, enriching existing literature on sustainable poultry systems. It offers evidence-based guidance for farmers, breeders, and policymakers to optimize breed selection for specific production contexts, balancing productivity with sustainability. The study concludes that breed-specific strategies, including targeted genetic improvement and management practices, are essential to improving overall feed efficiency. The findings recommend integrating indigenous breeds into crossbreeding programs to harness their natural resilience while improving feed conversion through selective breeding. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and the development of genotype-based selection indices to further enhance feed efficiency across diverse poultry populations.