Performance evaluation of Potchefstroom Koekoek chicken under different ecological zones and management practices: a review
2025
Letlhogonolo Selaledi | Bulelani E. Mazizi | Ndivho Nemukondeni
Abstract This review assessed recent work on the performance of Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK) under different ecological zones and management practices. The PK is a dual-purpose breed popular among farmers in South Africa and Ethiopia. The PK was specifically developed to thrive under southern African environmental conditions. It is among the most popular characterized local breeds in South Africa and was developed via selection programs that focused mainly on the growth rate, production of eggs, and meat quality. The PK chicken breed has moderate to high heritability traits for growth rate, egg production, and feather color from its parent stock. They require little work and rearing inputs, making them low-risk and low-input to produce. Despite interest in PK, it is important to consider that this breed still performs below par with commercial layers. The present review aims to assess the production quality of PKs raised in different ecological zones and under different management practices. The PKs lay eggs that have brown shells with a deep yellow yolk and can lay approximately 198 eggs/bird/year, with an average weight of 55.7 g and a hatchability rate of up to 78%. The PK produces high-quality meat, and mature males weigh approximately 3–4 kg, whereas females weigh 2.1 kg. The average egg weight at peak production was 48.6 g. Since South Africa's commercial layers and broilers are exotic breeds, the conservation and ongoing improvement of local breeds would aid in the preservation of natural resources and food security.
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