Breeding for small-scale poultry farming

Description

This chapter reviews the particular challenges of developing improved breeds of chicken for small-scale backyard poultry farming on which many smallholder families depend for a balanced diet and income. It reviews issues such as genetic resources for indigenous breeds, breeding strategies and the management strategies needed to optimize the potential of improved breeds. The chapter discusses how new breeds can improve smallholder livelihoods.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Characteristics of small-scale poultry farming 3 Poultry genetic resources 4 Breeding strategies for improving rural chicken breeds 5 Management practices in backyard farming 6 Conclusions 7 References