Evaluation of Some Genetic and Non - Genetic Factors Influencing the Perfomance of Layer Chickens in South Western Nigeria

This study was conducted using 5 chicken genotypes comprising 3 exotic purebreds, Nera Black (NB), White Leghorn (WL) and Giriraja (GR), Nigerian Local chicken strain (L) and improved local (B Alpha crossbred). The laying performance of these chickens was monitored to evaluate genetic and non-genetic effect on egg production traits. A total of 506 pullets were evaluated for effect of genotype and season on laying performance. Genotype significantly (P<0.05) affected all production and egg quality traits. Giriraja had the highest body weight at first egg (2107.00 ± 4.0.1g) while White Leghorn had the lowest (1259.62 ± 9.83g). However, Nera Black had the highest weight of first egg (48.52 ± 0.52g) compared with 33.11± 0.01g by White Leghorn which was the lowest. Egg quality traits also followed similar pattern as observed in egg production traits. Results from the study revealed that specific values of age, body weight and performance traits for a particular group of birds in a particular area are unique but other non-genetic factors such as season could subject the value to modification: this suggests that the genetic potential of the Nigerian indigenous chickens can still be improved upon by crossing with exotic strains, as a panacea for sustainable goals of vision 2030 for layer chicken development in humid and sub humid zones of tropical climate.