Multi-environment performance analysis identifies more productive and widely adapted chicken breeds for smallholder farmers

Summary

This study adapted multi-environment performance analysis methods from plant breeding to evaluate five improved chicken breeds across three agroecologically distinct zones in Ethiopia, covering over 21,000 birds in smallholder flocks. Using Species Distribution Models to define agroecologies based on relevant environmental predictors rather than agronomic variables alone, the researchers applied both AMMI and linear mixed-effects models to assess growth performance and breed-by-environment interactions. The findings provide a methodological framework for identifying productive and widely adapted chicken breeds suited to specific agroecological conditions in tropical smallholder systems.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in Ethiopia and specifically addresses breed selection for tropical smallholder systems. The methodological framework—using Species Distribution Models to define agroecologies and multi-environment performance analysis for breed evaluation—is theoretically transferable to United Kingdom poultry systems, though the practical application would differ given the UK's different agroecological zones, infrastructure, and policy contexts. The breeds and performance conditions studied are specific to African tropical smallholder contexts.

Key measures

Weight at 180 days of age (W180), environmental sensitivity, yield stability, agroecological classification using Species Distribution Models

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated growth performance at 180 days of age and yield stability of five improved chicken breeds across three agroecological zones in Ethiopia, using linear mixed-effects models and AMMI approaches. Analysis covered 21,562 chickens across 1,557 smallholder flocks to identify breeds best suited to different agroecological environments.

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