Bio-Economic Model to Support Breeding of Indigenous Chicken in Different Production Systems

Abstract

A deterministic bio-economic model was developed to support breeding of indigenous chicken and used to evaluate biological and economic variables that characterise indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) production systems in Kenya. The systems were defined on the basis of the feeding regime, level of confinement and healthcare provided and included; confined full ration system, where the chicken are confined all the time and provided with commercial feed and proper healthcare; semi-intensive system, where the chicken are confined part of the time and given crop residues and kitchen waste, with no healthcare; and free range system, where the chicken are left to roam around the homestead picking whatever feed resource they get and without healthcare. The input parameters are divided into four categories: biological variables which include animal traits, managemental variables, nutritional variables and economic variables. These parameters assume typical indigenous chicken production in Kenya. However, the input parameters may be adjusted to suit specific situations and also assess the biological and economic performance of various production systems of other domestic avian species. The model`s ability to simulate live weight changes, feed intake of various chicken categories, revenues, cost and profitability of the three production systems is illustrated. The bio-economic models can be used to develop breeding goals and estimate economic values for the genetic improvement of indigenous chicken.