Farmers in Nakuru County have embraced the indigenous ‘Kuloiler’ chicken breed due to its size and resistance to diseases, an agricultural forum heard on Tuesday.
Speaking during a field day for farmers at Rongai sub-county, regional agricultural officer Stephen Mureithi said the new chicken breed is more attractive to farmers because it can fight predators due to its large size and camouflaged colours.
“The kuloiler developer tactfully combined disease resistant traits, colour, scavenging ability and agility drawn from indigenous Indian chicken. It can also fight predators,’’ said Mureithi.
He said the genetically bred kuloiler chicken also lays more eggs per year compared to the indigenous Kenyan chicken. The chicken was developed in India by a private company in the 1990s and weighs four kilogrammes compared to the local chicken which weighs an average of 2.5kg.
“However, the worst traits among Nakuru framers is that they are rushing into the same venture like their neighbours and friends. This ends up flooding the market with the same products,” lamented Mureithi.
He said currently, one kuloiler chicken goes for between Sh1,500 and Sh2,000 but once farmers create a surplus in the market, the prices are likely to drop.
The officer gave an example of quail farming which almost all farmers in the region turned to. The market got flooded, leading to drastic fall in prices.
Mureithi urged farmers who have embraced the kuloiler chicken not to present it as a goldmine as a surplus would lead to disappointments.
Farmers who have reared the kuloiler chicken said the meat is tastier.
“The meat is more delicious compared to local chicken and it has less fat which is good for those interested in low fat chicken,” said Peter Njoroge, a farmer.