A new improved kienyeji kuroiler chicken breed is now available in the market for prospective poultry farmers. Olnjoro poultry farm in Thika is selling a two week old vaccinated chick for Sh400.

The breed matures faster, in four and half months and is highly resistant to perennial poultry diseases such as Newcastle.

According to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Newcastle Disease is a major constraint to indigenous chicken productivity in Kenya and often causes 80 to 100 per cent mortality in unvaccinated flocks.

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The breed was derived from crossing coloured broiler male with Rhodes Island red females or white leghorn males crossed with female Rhodes Island red, hence unique and stronger genetic feature to maneuver contemporary chicken diseases. 

“Kuroiler meat is of high quality and tasty compared to the local kienyeji bird. Its eggs have deep yellow york that is tasty and appetizing” said Michael Njoroge Riunge, the team leader at Olnjoro poultry farm.

Poultry farmers intending to rear this type of breed will fetch the bird’s eggs earlier in four and half months compared to approximately eight months for other breeds. For kuroilers, the farmers will earn from the meat in just three and half months.

Kuroiler chicken breed

The bird is highly economical to rear as it can fit into the free range system where it can scavenge for their own food hence can be kept by low-income households due to their low demand unlike exotic breeds.

To maintain this breed, one day old chicks should be vaccinated against mareks by applying the vaccine under the skin. On the 10^th and 18^th days of the birds’ age, doses of vaccination against gumboro disease should be applied via drinking water. In hot areas, the birds need to be protected against fowl pox after three weeks and six weeks in other areas. To control Newcastle disease, vaccinate every three months and at point of lay for layers.

Olnjoro poultry farm will conduct training for poultry farmers on Saturday 20th Jan 2018 starting at 10am at their demo farm opposite Blue Post Hotel Thika Town.

Topics to be covered include:

1. Introduction to poultry world.
2. Selecting a poultry business niche.
3. Chicken breed selection and why.
4. Capital requirements and business plan.
5. Poultry housing.
6. Poultry equipment.
7. Cutting costs methods and making own feeds.
8. Poultry health, vaccination and disease control.
9. Market, product and price analysis.
10. Return on investment.
11. Risks and challenges.
12. Practical Farm Visit.

Prospective poultry farmers can contact Michael on 0773889309 / 0728553292 or visit http://www.olnjoropoultry.co.ke/