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The hatchability of broody hen reaches up to 85.69%, which was higher than reports from a modern incubator in governmental poultry breed and multiplication centre in Ethiopia (69%) under standard breeding conditions.
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The reproductive performance of indigenous chickens includes hatchability and fertility of eggs in addition to the above, which depended on health, nutrition, genetics, storage, incubation condition, and seasonal fluctuation, as well as the number of eggs given to broody hens, was also another factor that causes variability. Thus, production was encountered under free-range systems with low input for the sector, which limits the profit due to low egg production, small egg size, slow growth rate, late maturity, small clutch size, intensive inclination to broodiness, and high mortality of chickens. Even though the total population of indigenous chicken is high enough (98%) than other exotic and crossbreeds, the gain from the poultry sector is still low.
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The review summarizes the production and reproductive performance of indigenous chicken in Ethiopia.
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