INCIDENCE AND CAUSES OF CHICK MORTALITY IN INDIGENOUS CHICKENS UNDER THE FREE RANGE SYSTEM IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

A study into the incidence and causes of chick mortality among indigenous chickens was carried out in selected locations in Abeokuta, Ogun state Nigeria, between January and June 1992. The study involved 500 motherhens and 346 chicks raised under the free range management system.- The survey was conducted by means of oral interview, observations and post mortem examination. Of the 1114 deaths recorded, predators such as hawk, rat and cat accounted for 35.7%. Other causes of the deaths were disease (such as salmonellosis, omphalitis, lice infestation as well as respiratory diseases) and accidents of trampling, drowning and crushing by vehicles. The mortality pattern was evaluated in terns of seasonal variation, age of chicks and age of hen in mothering.