LIVE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER AND DOMINANT D300 HYBREED CHICKS

This study was conducted with 20 hens and two cocks of broiler (Bx), indigenous chicken (Dominant D300) and their hybreed (BxD300) from where 180 chicks, 60 each of Broiler pullet (Bxpx), Dominant D300 pullet (D300px) and their hybreed pullet (BxD300px) were raised for the study. The chicks were brooded in the conventional open floor system with each breed divided into four replications. Feed and water were given ad libitum for 4 weeks. Results obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means separation. Economics of production was also analysed. Results show significant (P0.05) different. There were significant (P>0.05) differences in reproductive parameters (egg weght-at-lay, egg weight loss due to incubation, shell weight after hatch, and weight of day-old chicks) except for eggshell weight and hatchability. Results also indicate preference for BxD300 (hybreed) chicks over Bx (broiler) chicks and Dominant D300 in terms of financial returns at 4 weeks of age.