Marker-assisted breeding of selected native chickens in Mozambique and Uganda

Native chickens contribute significantly to the well-being of rural farming communities in low-income countries and particularly so in poverty stricken regions of Mozambique and Uganda by providing protein and micronutrients. These are special as they are frequently the only livestock under the control of women. The majority of smallholder farmers raise native chickens for food and income as they do not require special management, require low investment, need limited pest control, provide manure and enhances poverty alleviation and food and nutrition security. However, compared with commercial chicken breeds, low productivity remains a key constraint due to the relatively small body size and low egg production of native chickens. Currently, native hens are characterised by low laying intensity and slow growth rates. The low rate of fay is due to several factors including low genetic potential, seasonal effects, low levels of nutrition and broodiness. By increasing the body weight and egg production of the native chickens the project will contribute to increased availability of meat and eggs for smallholder and medium scale chicken farmers, particularly women and youth, chicken traders and chicken consumers, thus making a significant contribution to food and nutrition security and improved livelihoods of especially rural communities. This action will be implemented by Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique), collaborating with Gulu University, Makerere University (Uganda), Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), and International Rural Poultry Centre (Mozambique). Associate partners are Agriculture Research Institute of Mozambique (IIAM) and Chick Masters Limited (CML). The partners will bring expertise in chicken genetic improvement, disease control, feed development, engaging women/youth farmers, and harness the available scientific and technological capabilities of the partners’ networks; to deliver an innovative and sustainable chicken production system. In this action we will: (1) Determine the genetic composition of native chicken ecotypes in Mozambique and Uganda; (2) Identify native chickens with genes for fast growth and high egg production; (3) Develop native chickens with high body weight, high egg production, reduced broodiness and survival under extensive system in Mozambique and Uganda; (4) Evaluate diets based on scavenging feed resources; (5) Identify and characterise causes of mortality in native chickens and (6) Assess the effectiveness of different technology delivery models for scaling up native and crossbreed chickens production.