Experts develop high egg output, disease-resistant chickens

A team of Nigerian experts under the auspices of African Chicken Genetic Gains (ACCG) in Nigeria has announced a breakthrough in poultry production in Nigeria following the development of disease-resistant breed of chicken with higher egg output.

Funso Sonaiya, Principal Consultant, ACGG-NG and lecturer in the Animal Science Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, said this at a press briefing in Lagos recently.

ACCG is an Africa-wide collaboration led by the International Livestock Research Institute that seeks to increase access of poor smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to high-producing, locally adapted and appropriate chicken strains.

According to Mr. Sonaiya, after employing the science’s ‘6 genetics’ over a two-year period, the team developed a new breed of chicken that has a high yield of egg production than the local breed. He said, “The six genetics produces up to about 200 eggs annually while the local breed produces less than 65 annually. The adult size for a local breed which is what is commonly available in many homes/poultry farms is 1kg at 20 weeks while the new breed of chicken weighs six genetics weighs 3kg at 20 weeks.”

The team lists the identified genetic breeds to include ShikaBrown from Ahmadu Bello University, ABU; Fulani, from Obafemi University, Ile-Ife, Osun State; Alpha, from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State; Sasso breed from Paris, France and Kuroiler breed from Keg farm in India.

The ACCG-NG team noted that the poultry birds are currently 52 weeks old, adding that the institute has established two systems – On-station and On-farm – to check their day-to-day growth, life span and survival trend.


Mr. Illiya Duniya also added that the genetic poultry birds have been vaccinated in order to reduce the mortality rate expectancy, adding that test shows only two per cent mortality rate. This he says is a great improvement from what currently obtains nationwide.

The ACCG-NG team also announced that the foundation is using science of genetics to develop tropically-adapted breeds that could lay between 150 and 200 eggs annually and sustain food productivity in the country.

“We are particular about genetic chickens because we are convinced beyond doubt that they posses attribute that make them suitable for performance both under stationed or scavenging situations. They are chickens that are driven by science, technology, innovation and industry.’’

According to Sonaiya , tests were being carried out in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Fol-Hope Farms, Ibadan as well as in Kwara, Rivers, Imo, Nasarawa and Kebbi states involving 2,500 farmers and ‘6 genetics’ chromosome.

He said after the tests, the two most preferred breeds would be commercialised by private breeder farms to ensure reliable supply of day-old chicks.