Did you know that an improved kienyeji chicken is a result of cross-breeding two superior breeds of kienyeji chicken or a kienyeji chicken and an exotic breed? Well, you must be curious to find out the various types of improved kienyeji chicken available in Kenya. If you are looking for a type that will boost egg production or meat yield, there is a wide variety to choose from.
Improved kienyeji chicken meat and eggs are good sources of protein, especially for children and nursing mothers. Their high demand and disease resistance make them a good source of income in Kenya. So, what are the types of improved kienyeji chicken in the country?
Types of improved kienyeji chicken in Kenya
There are various types of improved kienyeji chicken in Kenya. Each breed has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different environments.
Kari chicken breed
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) developed the kari chicken breed. This breed grows to a weight of 1.5 kg in 5 months and lays around 200 to 270 eggs per year. Additionally, these birds have a low feed-conversion efficiency but can survive in areas with limited water and feed resources.
Rainbow rooster
The rainbow rooster is a multi-coloured kienyeji chicken breed. It feeds on commercial layer feed and lays 160 to 180 eggs annually. The males are tall and active and can attain a weight of above 4.5 kg at full maturity.
The Kuroiler bird
This breed feeds on kitchen waste, vegetable remains, fruit peelings, and weeds. It lays around 150 eggs annually and thrives in tropical and strenuous conditions. Furthermore, the kuroiler birds grow remarkably, even on low-protein feed and can forage for their food. This makes them well-suited for free-range farming systems.
Sasso
The sasso breed is also colourful but has a heavy body with long keels and lighter speckled feathers. They are popular for their yellow skin and great flavour. Mostly, people rear this breed for meat. It feeds on grass, worms, and insects. Despite their slow growth, sasso chicken lay around 150 to 200 eggs.
Kenbro chicken
Kenbro chicken have a unique brown colour with red feathers. They are fast growing and can grow to a weight of 1.5 kg in 3 months. Additionally, kenbro chicken start laying eggs in around 22 to 24 weeks. They lay around 200 eggs per year.
Original kienyeji
This is the original pure breed of indigenous chicken. Its maturity period is six months, and it lays an average of 3 to 10 eggs a month. Furthermore, the original kienyeji breed has a very high disease resistance and can feed on local kitchen waste or scavenge for food within the compound.
Premium Kienyeji
Premium kienyeji are a fast-growing breed with black and white feathers. The males reach a weight of 3kg in three and a half months, while the females can produce roughly 240-270 eggs per year.
Which improved kienyeji breed is the best?
If you are looking for the best kienyeji chicken breeds in Kenya, you should put more emphasis on your end goal. For instance, a Kuroiler breed is perfect as it has rapid growth and high yields. Other improved kienyeji chicken breeds are the kenbro, sasso, kari and the original kienyeji chicken.
What is the maturity of improved Kienyeji chicken?
Depending on the breed type, improved kienyeji chicken typically reaches maturity in about 4 to 5 months. Breeds like the sasso take a little longer to start laying eggs at around five months, while the kenbro breed grows to a weight of 1.5 kg in 3 months and starts laying eggs at 22 to 24 weeks.
Wrapping up
With the above types of improved kienyeji chicken, you can easily choose your ideal breed based on your ultimate goal. Note that each breed has its unique advantages and disadvantages. By selecting the right one, you will be setting your farm up for success.
