Laying performance, hatching egg characteristics, chick quality, and early growth of three indigenous chicken ecotypes in Benin under intensive management

Limited knowledge of the reproductive performance of indigenous chicken breeds hinders the development of sustainable strategies for improving traditional poultry farming, a vital livelihood for rural populations in developing countries. This study evaluated the reproductive traits, egg characteristics, chick quality, and early growth performance (0-28 days) of three native chicken ecotypes in Benin: Koklo yaya, Holli, and Fulani. Forty-five hens and nine roosters were reared under identical intensive conditions and fed a commercial diet. Daily egg production was recorded, and laying rates were calculated. Egg quality was assessed using 50 eggs per ecotype for weight, shape index, and Haugh unit. A total of 240 eggs were incubated to determine fertility and hatchability. Chick quality was evaluated at hatch using quantitative (weight, length) and qualitative (Pasgar Score) measures. Weekly chick weights were recorded to assess early growth. The Fulani ecotype produced the heaviest eggs (39.92 g) with the highest Haugh unit (71.55; p < 0.01), while Koklo yaya exhibited the highest shape index (74.66) and laying rate (30.47 %; p < 0.05). Fertility rates were similar across ecotypes (∼74 %), but hatchability was significantly higher in the Fulani (80.32 %) than in others (p < 0.05). Fulani chicks also had the highest hatching weight (27.42 g; p < 0.01), though average daily gain did not differ significantly among ecotypes. These findings highlight distinct reproductive advantages among Beninese indigenous chickens: Koklo yaya for egg production, Fulani for hatchability and chick quality, and all three for comparable fertility, supporting their potential in sustainable poultry improvement programs.