Households' Choice of Genotypes and Traits of Preference in Yoruba Ecotype Chicken in Ibadan, Nigeria

This study aimed at evaluating Yoruba Ecotype chicken genotypes of choice and traits of preference in the chicken by households in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were obtained from a total of 120 households using structured interview schedule. Data were subjected to both descriptive statistics and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Results revealed that most of the respondents were female; they raised the chicken for income generation and consumption. Most of the respondents preferred normal feather Yoruba Ecotype chicken to other genotypes. The result also revealed that traits of preference by most of the respondents were growth rate, body size, egg production, fertility, disease resistance, temperament, broodiness, mothering ability, hatchability, plumage colour and distribution, social-cultural value, survivability, fecundity, ease of sales and laying of large number of eggs. The Principal component 1 explained over 86.2% in household preferences for all the variables considered in the study. Based on the result of this study, it was concluded that most of the respondents’ preferred normal feather Yoruba Ecotype chicken compared to other genotypes like frizzle feather and naked neck. Traits of economic importance appeared to be consistent in preference for genotype of choice by respondents. The PCI value explained over 86.2% in household preferences for all the variables. Further research efforts on genotypes and traits of economic importance of Yoruba Ecotype chicken could facilitate future breeding programs geared towards increasing the chicken production and productivity among households and smallholders. There is also a need for effective breeding and conservation program to preserve economically important genetic resources of this chicken to prevent the risk of loss of the indigenous chicken genetic pool