Commercial poultry production in Kenya has been established since the 1970s. Currently, there are approximately 80 million chickens in the country, with about 70 percent of them being indigenous backyard flocks.
Several factors have contributed to the growth of this industry, including rapid urbanization, an expanding middle class, the rise of quick-service restaurants like KFC, Nando's, and Chicken Inn, as well as the demand for affordable protein sources.
In this article, we will discuss the most common chicken breeds , their advantages and disadvantages, and how they are raised.
1Parent-Stock Breeding Stock Lines
Top global breeding companies such as Cobb-Vantress, Hendrix, and Aviagen stock pedigree lines and sell parent-stock breeders. In Kenya, the leading breeding companies also supply parent-stock breeders, which are elite birds with high genetic potential for traits such as high egg production, fast meat conversion, excellent egg quality, fertility, and hatchability.
These birds are relatively expensive, and their population in Kenya is around 500,000. The major broiler breeders in Kenya include Cobb-500, Arbo Acres, Hubbard, and Ross 308, while the layer breeder stocks consist of ISA Brown, Hy-line, Lohmann, and Shaver.
However, these birds require intensive management due to their susceptibility to weather changes, diseases, poor biosecurity, and variable feed quality. They should be raised in isolated sites away from local poultry, slaughterhouses, high traffic areas, water pans, and urban centers.
2White Commercial Broiler Meat Chicken
Farmers in Kenya commonly raise white commercial broiler meat chickens such as Cobb-500, Arbor-Acre, Ross 308, and Hubbard. These birds are sold as fresh or frozen capons, bone-in, boneless, or cut-ups. They are typically reared in open-sided units with some level of biosecurity. Most farmers keep a flock size of 500 to 1,000 birds.
The current population of these broilers is around 6 million chicks. They have a high livability rate of 93 percent and are usually slaughtered at 33-37 days of age, weighing an average of 1.75kg.
However, the main challenges faced in raising these birds are poor biosecurity, high feed costs, and limited market opportunities.
3Commercial Layer Breed
Commercial layer breeds, such as ISA Brown, Hy-line, Lohmann, and Shaver, are primarily raised for table egg production. These brown shell egg producers are known for their high peak egg production, extended laying period, good egg quality, high livability, and efficient feed conversion.
However, they are prone to infectious respiratory diseases, cannibalism, and worm infestations and are highly sensitive to environmental changes, which can cause a drop in egg production. The population of commercial layer birds in Kenya is approximately 8 million.
4Kenbro
Kenbro is a red-feathered bird that possesses both broiler and layer characteristics. It is known for its robustness, disease resistance, and well-rounded conformation, resulting in a visually appealing and flavorful chicken when managed as a meat bird with high-quality feed.
When raised for meat, Kenbro can achieve a live weight of 1.5kg in seven weeks. It is particularly suitable for the live market and can effectively replace indigenous chicken breeds. As a layer, it reaches the point of laying at 22-24 weeks and can produce 200 eggs per hen per year, provided body weights are regulated.
5Sasso Slow-Growing Exotic Lines
Sasso slow-growing exotic lines are dual-purpose breeds that originated from Hubbard in France and are produced locally by Western Seed Company. These birds can produce 150-200 eggs per hen per year, depending on the management system.
While they are mostly sold for meat, they are disease-resistant and can scavenge in the field with minimal supplementation. The advantages and challenges associated with Sasso breeds are similar to those of Kenbros.
6Kuroiler
Kuroiler chickens are hybrid breeds developed in India and are suitable for both meat and egg production. They are known for their cost-effectiveness and ability to survive on kitchen and agricultural waste.
Compared to native Indian hens that lay only about 40 eggs per year, Kuroiler hens can produce around 150 eggs per year while continuously feeding and growing rapidly. However, Kuroiler hens are not broody.
7Rainbow Rooster
Rainbow rooster is a fast-growing Indian chicken breed bred by Indbro Research and Breeding Farms in India. It is a multicolored crossbreed suitable for backyard rearing and organic chicken production. Rainbow rooster hens lay more eggs than indigenous chickens.
8Kari Breed
The Kari breed was developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro) at the Naivasha Poultry Development Institute. Known as "kienyeji chicken," this breed reaches a weight of 1.5kg in five months and is resistant to diseases and parasites. It is specifically adapted to local climatic conditions.
Conclusion
Venturing into chicken farming can be a highly lucrative endeavor in Kenya, and choosing the right breed plays a crucial role in ensuring profitability.
By considering the eight profitable chicken breeds discussed in this article, you can transform your farm into a thriving cash cow.
Remember, each breed has its unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to assess your farm's conditions, market demand, and your own goals before making a decision.
The Kuroiler breed, with its exceptional meat and egg production capabilities, is a popular choice for farmers looking to maximize profits. Similarly, the Broilers breed offers rapid growth and efficient feed conversion, making it an excellent option for commercial meat production.
The Kienyeji breed, known for its adaptability and resistance to diseases, remains a favorite among consumers seeking organic and free-range poultry products.
For those interested in egg production, the White Leghorn breed excels with its high egg-laying potential.
The Rhode Island Red breed also provides a balance between meat and egg production, making it a versatile choice for farmers.
Additionally, the Sussex breed's docile nature and impressive meat quality make it a reliable option for both small-scale and commercial farming.
If you're seeking an ornamental breed that can fetch premium prices, the Silkie breed's unique appearance and docile temperament make it highly sought after.
Lastly, the Bantam breed, with its small size and efficient feed utilization, is an excellent choice for limited space or backyard farming.
Regardless of the breed you choose, remember that successful chicken farming requires proper management, including good housing, nutrition, disease control, and marketing strategies.
Conduct thorough research, seek guidance from experienced farmers or poultry experts, and continuously educate yourself about best practices in chicken farming.
By investing in the right breed, implementing effective management techniques, and capitalizing on market opportunities, your farm can flourish, turning your chicken venture into a profitable and sustainable business in Kenya.
With dedication, passion, and a sound business plan, you can build a thriving enterprise while contributing to the country's growing demand for poultry products.
By focusing on these different breeds and understanding their strengths and weaknesses, poultry farmers in Kenya can make informed decisions to unlock profitability in their businesses.
