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Author
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Magoche, Memory.
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Title
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Comparative study of the growth and profitability of Boschveld and Indigenous Chickens raised under backyard system
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Abstract
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This study investigates the comparative growth performance and profitability of Boschveld and Indigenous (commonly known as roadrunner) chickens raised under backyard systems in Mutare, Zimbabwe. A total of 60 semi-commercial poultry farmers, each managing a flock of at least 50 birds, were randomly selected from the Department of Veterinary Services database. Data were collected over a production cycle through structured interviews, weekly farm visits, and physical assessments focusing on feed intake, body weight gain, egg production, and income generation. Over a 12‐week period, weekly farm visits were conducted to record live weights, feed intake, egg production, and associated costs. Production parameters were assessed by weekly weighing of a representative sample of birds from each breed; economic data were collected through structured interviews documenting feed, chick, veterinary, and housing expenses, as well as sales revenue from both meat and eggs; housing and management practices were documented via standardized checklists.
By Week 12, Boschveld birds attained an average live weight of 2.05 kg (± 0.18 kg), compared with 1.85 kg (± 0.20 kg) for Indigenous hens. Weekly feed consumption averaged 0.84 kg per Boschveld bird and 0.71 kg per Indigenous bird, translating to total weekly intakes of 1,787 kg and 1,513 kg, respectively, across all farms. Starting in Week 10, Indigenous hens exhibited a higher laying prevalence (75–85 percent) than Boschveld hens (70–75 percent), resulting in a collective output of 4,904 eggs per week versus 3,850 eggs per week for Boschveld. Gross margin analysis indicated that, despite Boschveld’s superior meat yield, Indigenous birds generated greater net returns (USD 9.23 per flock) compared to Boschveld (USD 6.66 per flock) over the trial, largely owing to lower input costs and higher egg revenues.
Ward‐level comparisons highlighted that Zimunya—characterized by more reliable feed and water access—achieved the highest weights, egg outputs, and profits for both breeds, whereas Hobhouse exhibited the lowest performance metrics. Results suggest that Indigenous chickens are better suited to resource‐constrained settings, whereas Boschveld can be profitable when feed and infrastructure are sufficient to support their higher growth requirements. These findings inform breed‐selection decisions and extension strategies aimed at improving smallholder poultry productivity and livelihoods in similar backyard systems.
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Date
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June 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Boschveld Birds
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Poultry Farming
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Supervisor
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Mr. T.N.C Mangwiro
