Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

A survey on the strains and performances of broiler chickens was carried out in Owerri West and Owerri North Local Government Areas of Imo State, Nigeria. The strains and their performances were determined in ten randomly selected poultry farms engaged consistently in large-scale broiler chicken production. Data were collected on the farmer’s personal information, production information, biosecurity and disease management information, and production economics using a well-structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics that involved tables, percentages and frequency distributions. From the data collected, Arbor Acre Plus constituted about 50% of the strains in the locations. Ross 308 recorded 30% while Marshal and Cobb 500 recorded 10%. Arbor Acre Plus strain performed maximally in the intensive production system practised by the farmers. It recorded the lowest mortality rate, superior feed conversion ratio and the highest selling price with the lowest cost of production. Its performance was followed by Ross 308, Cobb 500 and then Marshal Strain. Most farmers argued that the performances of the strains were directly correlated to the management practices adopted by the farmers and not necessarily the type of strain. Data collected from the survey also showed that 70% of the farmers were males and single, 31 – 50 years of age and 50% attended tertiary institutions. In conclusion, the study bridged the paucity of information on the different strains of broiler chickens available and their performances in the study area; Owerri, Imo State. Again, relative to other strains located in the study area, the Arbor acre plus strain recorded the heaviest weight at the shortest interval. It is pertinent for farmers to select from strains that can respond to proper management and efficiently make use of the available resources to ensure food security.