By Nathan Eyagu

In the Teso sub-region of eastern Uganda, poultry farming is a common and important activity for rural households. Chickens are not only a source of food and income but also hold cultural value in social events and traditional ceremonies. Most farmers in Teso keep indigenous chickens, which are well-suited to the region’s climate and require minimal inputs. These birds are known for their hardiness, ability to scavenge, and resistance to local diseases. However, despite these advantages, local chickens tend to grow slowly and lay few eggs, which limits the income farmers can earn from them.

The climate in Teso is characterized by a tropical savannah pattern, with two rainy seasons—one from March to May and the other from September to November—and a long dry season in between. Temperatures typically range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. While the rains support natural vegetation for scavenging chickens, the dry season often causes feed shortages and an increase in disease outbreaks, especially Newcastle disease. Local chickens manage to survive these challenges, but they take six to eight months to reach a market weight of about 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms and usually produce only 40 to 60 small eggs per year.

Given these limitations, farmers in Teso are encouraged to consider crossbreeding their local chickens with dual-purpose breeds. These are improved chicken breeds that are developed to provide both good meat and high egg production. Common examples include the Kuroiler, Sasso, Rainbow Rooster, and Rhode Island Red. These chickens are capable of laying between 150 and 250 eggs per year and can grow to between 2.5 and 3 kilograms in just four to five months when given proper care.

Crossbreeding local chickens with such dual-purpose breeds creates a balanced bird that inherits the strengths of both parents. The resulting offspring tend to grow faster than local chickens and produce more eggs, yet they retain the resistance to disease and tolerance to local weather conditions that local breeds are known for. This makes them more suitable for the environment in Teso, especially for smallholder farmers who may not have the resources to provide intensive care.

In practical terms, a farmer can start crossbreeding by introducing an improved rooster to a flock of local hens or by using eggs or chicks from hatcheries that already offer crossbred varieties. These birds can still be raised under a semi-free-range system, where they scavenge for food but are also given basic supplementary feed and shelter. Crossbred hens generally start laying earlier than local ones, and their eggs are bigger, which means more food for the household and more eggs to sell.

Farmers in the region who have tried crossbreeding have reported that their birds grow faster, lay more eggs, and attract higher prices at the market. For example, while a mature local chicken may fetch 15,000 to 20,000 shillings, a crossbred bird of the same age may sell for 25,000 to 35,000 shillings, depending on its size and appearance. Additionally, since these birds grow faster, farmers can sell them sooner, reducing the time and cost of care.

One of the key advantages of crossbreeding is that it does not require a complete shift to intensive farming. Farmers can start small, using one or two improved roosters to mate with their local hens. They can then gradually build up a stronger, more productive flock. By using local hens to hatch and raise the crossbred chicks, they avoid the cost of incubators or brooding equipment.

Crossbreeding also contributes to long-term sustainability. It improves food security by increasing the availability of both meat and eggs, enhances household nutrition, and opens up more opportunities for farmers to engage in poultry-based businesses, such as selling chicks, table eggs, or processed meat. At the same time, it maintains the genetic diversity and cultural value of local breeds.

In conclusion, crossbreeding local chickens with dual-purpose breeds offers a powerful way for Teso farmers to improve their poultry production without abandoning the traditional practices that have served them for generations. It is a low-risk, high-return strategy that matches the region’s climate, farming systems, and market demands. With the right support in terms of training, access to improved breeds, and basic veterinary care, crossbreeding can help transform poultry farming in Teso from a subsistence activity into a more reliable source of income and food.