International Journal of Poultry Science 7 (6): 579-585, 2008 ISSN 1682-8356 © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008 579 Productivity and Egg Quality Characteristics of Free Range Naked Neck and Normal Feathered Nigerian Indigenous Chickens A. Yakubu , D.M. Ogah and R.E. Barde 1 2 2 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, 1 Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, Nigeria Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria 2 Abstract: A study was conducted in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria to determine the productivity and egg quality traits of free range naked neck and full-feathered chickens. A total of one hundred and two smallholder farmers were randomly selected. Information was obtained on average eggs per clutch, hatchability and mortality, while hen’s body weight was measured directly on the day of egg collection. One hundred and two freshly laid eggs (51 eggs from each genotype) were used to evaluate external and internal egg qualities. Body weight and average eggs per clutch were significantly (p<0.05) higher in naked neck genotype compared to the normal feathered birds (1.30 vs. 1.16kg; 11.63 vs. 9.71 respectively). Normal feathered genotype recorded higher mortality (36.85%) than naked neck birds (28.60%). No significant (p>0.05) difference was found between the two genotypes in hatchability. Mean values for egg weight, egg length, egg width, egg shape index, shell thickness, albumen weight, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height, yolk width and haugh unit were significantly (p<0.05) higher in naked neck hens than their normal feathered counterparts. There was no superiority in shell weight and yolk index. The association between egg weight and other egg biometrical traits were found to be positive and significant (r = 0.22-0.79; p<0.05). Other egg parameters were either positively or inversely correlated with each other. Egg weight was better predicted (R = 34.44%) using a combination of egg length and egg width. The estimation of shell weight 2 from egg length, egg width and egg weight gave lower values (R = 2.86-3.91%). The incorporation of 2 allometry improved the prediction accuracy of shell thickness, albumen weight and yolk weight from egg weight (R = 44.16,43.89 and 49.89%). It is concluded that the introgression of the naked neck gene into 2 poultry could play a pivotal role in the genetic improvement of traditionally managed flocks. Key words: Productivity, egg parameters, relationships, indigenous chickens, Nigeria Introduction The Nigerian local chickens appear to be generally heterogeneous with no specific colour pattern and non- descriptive both in phenotype and genotype. The native chickens constitute about 80 percent of the 120 million poultry birds. They are known for their adaptation superiority in terms of their resistance to endemic diseases and other high environmental conditions (Nwakpu et al., 1999). The local birds seen in villages may have been crossed with exotic cocks in earlier years through the cockerel exchange programme amongst others, but such gene may have been dispersed and lost in the population because of unplanned breeding programme and absence of selection (Njue et al., 2002). One way of overcoming challenges posed by past strategies in improving sustainable productivity is through genetic selection and development of sustainable indigenous parent stock. Among the major genes of interest that can be considered for this purpose is the naked neck. The naked neck gene is incompletely dominant with Na/na birds showing an isolated tuft of feathers on the ventral side of the neck above the crop, while Na/Na birds either lack this tuft or it is reduced to just a few pin feathers or small feathers. The resulting bare skin becomes reddish, particularly in males as they approach sexual maturity (Somes, 1990). The reduction in feather coverage in naked neck birds permits convectional heat loss from the animal surface, thereby leading to improved thermo-regulation under the prevailing conditions. Mohammed et al. (2005) reported the superiority of Bare-neck indigenous chickens over two other Sudanese local fowls in terms of live weight. Similarly, Merat (1990) reported that in high temperatures near 30°C or higher, naked neck birds had a better laying rate, mean egg weight, egg shell strength and carcass yield than normal feathered birds. In many developing countries, the local gene pool still provides the basis for the poultry sector. The genetic resource base of the indigenous chickens could form the basis for genetic improvement and diversification to produce breeds adapted to local conditions. However, there is paucity of information about existing or potential levels of productivity and production characteristics of indigenous chickens managed under extensive systems (Hoffman, 2005). In Nigeria, previous characterization attempts on indigenous chickens with major genes have been concentrated on on-station performance at the expense of on-farm testing.