Improved productivity and reproductive performance of rural avian livestock in the Kolda region

Abstract

Indigenous or local breeds are usually reared in family production systems. Birds are usually selected for their hardiness, sometimes for meat production, but not for egg production. When farmers consider switching to more intensive poultry farming, they are eager to acquire better performing birds. Several means can be implemented to increase productivity, which is still very low, such as improving their conditions, housing and health. However, the use that these animal species can make of them depends on their genetic potential, hence the need to control the ambient conditions of farm animals and to set up a genetic improvement program to optimize productivity. . The genetic improvement of animals requires the choice of breeding stock and their use in purebred or in crossbreeding. The objective of this study is to characterize the improvement in the productivity and reproductive performance of poultry flocks in rural areas in the Kolda region. The methodology is based on documentary research, fieldwork and data processing and analysis. The results indicate health, food and poultry habitat constraints although farmers try to improve the performance of their poultry flocks by directing particular roosters to particular hens chosen on the basis of certain traits. Households practice genetic improvement empirically. Zootechnical performance remains relatively good with regard to the production conditions of the various farming methods. Productivity improvement is essential and special attention will be paid to feeding using local food resources, animal husbandry including access to veterinary care and adequate habitat. The genetic improvement of local breeds by the introduction of breeding cocks should be reinforced.

Keywords: breeding, productivity, reproductive performance, avian herd, rural environment, Kolda