Genetic Components of Growth Performance Traits of Progenies Derived from Crosses of Four Local and Exotic Chickens in Derived Savanna Environment of Nigeria

Background and Objective: The genetic variation and the hybrid vigor can be exploited in animals by crossing of the different important characteristics of each breed and producing superior crosses for better animal performance. Therefore, the study aimed to contribute to the improvement productivity of Nigerian indigenous chickens through crossbreeding strategy in enhancing the growth characteristics between Nigerian indigenous and Rhode Island Red chickens. Materials and Methods: The growth performance characteristics were measured for chickens’ progenies produced from pure and crossbred of Nigerian indigenous chickens and Rhode Island Red birds and data obtained were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance and means separation with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results: The growth performance characteristics were significantly (p<0.05) varied among the genetic components progenies produced and crossbred progenies of naked neck had the heavier body weight, body length, chest girth, keel length, shank length, thigh length, wing length coupled with lower feed intakes, higher weight gain and better FCR. Sex wisely, males of all the genetic components produced were better in terms of growth performance traits. Conclusion: The study concluded that NIC could be used appropriately as sires and exotic chickens as dams best suited for improving the local stocks for growth performance characteristics in the derived savanna environment of Nigeria.