Farmers’ choice of breeding stock and trait preferences in tropically-adapted chickens in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at determining chicken genotypes of choice and traits preference in chickens by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Data were obtained from a total of 2,063 farmers using structured questionnaires in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Chi square (χ2) statistics was used to compare categorical variables. Ranking of the six genotypes and twelve traits of preference was carried out using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H and Friedman tests. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) was used to assign farmers into groups. With the exception of Shika Brown, preferences for chicken genotypes were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) influenced by agro-ecological zone. Overall, FUNAAB Alpha, Sasso and Noiler chicken were ranked 1st, followed by Kuroiler (4th), Shika Brown (5th) and Fulani birds (6th), respectively. Across genotypes, preferences for traits varied significantly (P ≤ 0.005 and P ≤ 0.01). Traits of preference for selection of chicken breeding stock were body size, egg number, egg size and meat taste. The two PCs extracted, which explained 65.2% of the variability in the dataset, were able to assign the farmers into two groups based on preference for body size of cock and hen and the other ten traits combined. The present findings may guide the choice of appropriate chicken genotypes while the traits of economic importance may be incorporated into future genetic improvement and conservation programmes in Nigeria and in Sub-Saharan Africa.