Jss one Lesson Note Week 3 Livestock Frm

JSS 1 LIVESTOCK FARMING LESSON NOTE

FIRST TERM | WEEK 3: BREEDS OF POULTRY BIRDS

---

1. Meaning of Breed

A breed is a specific group of domestic animals having homogeneous (similar) physical traits such as appearance, body shape, feather pattern, growth rate, and productivity that distinguish them from other organisms of the same species.

Key Concept:
Poultry breeds are categorized primarily by origin (Local vs. Exotic) and by economic utility (Meat production vs. Egg production).

2. Local vs. Exotic Poultry Breeds

A. Local Breeds (Indigenous Chickens)

These are native breeds that originated within local tropical environments. They are commonly kept under free-range or village scavenging systems.

• Characteristics:
  • Small body weight and slow growth rate.
  • Low egg production (about 40–80 small eggs per year).
  • Highly resistant to local diseases and harsh weather conditions.
  • Varied plumage (feather) colors and flighty temperament.
  • Strong broody instinct (excellent sitting on eggs to hatch chicks).

B. Exotic Breeds (Imported Breeds)

These are specialized breeds imported from foreign countries (temperate zones) bred selectively for high commercial performance.

• Characteristics:
  • Fast growth rate and large body weight.
  • High egg production (250–300 eggs per year for layers).
  • Require high quality commercial feed and strict medical care.
  • Less resistant to local tropical diseases if unmanaged.
  • Low or absent broody instinct (incubators are used for hatching).

3. Functional Classification of Poultry Breeds

Category	Purpose	Key Characteristics	Famous Breed Examples
Egg Producers (Layers)	Table Egg Production	Light weight, active, lean wedge-shaped body, high egg yield, non-broody.	White Leghorn, Black Australorp, Isa Brown.
Meat Producers (Broilers)	Rapid Meat Production	Heavy blocky body, deep breast, fast feed conversion, ready for market at 6–8 weeks.	Sussex, Cornish, White Plymouth Rock, Cobb 500.
Dual-Purpose Breeds	Both Meat & Eggs	Medium body frame, reasonable egg laying ability and good meat yield.	Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire, Plymouth Rock.
Cockerels	Meat Production	Male layer chicks; hardy, slow-growing (takes 20–24 weeks to mature), chewy lean meat.	Male offspring of layer strain crosses.

4. Summary Comparison: Broilers vs. Layers

• Broilers: Grown specifically for meat; reach 2.0kg+ in 6 to 8 weeks; blocky, stocky shape; consume high-protein grower diets.
• Layers: Grown for laying eggs; start laying around 18–20 weeks of age; slim, lightweight bodies; consume calcium-rich Layer Mash.

---

CLASS EVALUATION & REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Define a breed of livestock animal.
2. Give three reasons why a commercial farmer would prefer exotic layers over local village hens for egg production.
3. Identify two examples each of layer breeds, broiler breeds, and dual-purpose poultry breeds.
4. At what age do commercial broilers typically reach market size compared to cockerels?

HOME ASSIGNMENT:
In your workbook, draw a simple table comparing Broilers and Layers under five parameters: (a) Primary Output, (b) Body Shape, (c) Age of Maturity, (d) Main Feed Requirement, and (e) Example Breed.