Abstract

A total of 63 farm families and 63 consumers from Gazipur and Mymensingh districts were randomly selected to assess the production and local market price of indigenous naked neck (Nana) and full feathered (nana) chickens reared under rural scavenging system. Data were collected through personal interviews using semi-structured and pre-tested interview schedules for the period of July to December, 2009. Clutch size, egg production and hatchability at set eggs were statistically similar between Nana and nana chickens. However, Nana chicken tended to be higher at 1.67% clutch length, 3.4 eggs/hen/year and 0.42% hatchability than that of nana counterpart. Nana had significantly (P<0.05) higher egg weight by 5% compared with nana chicken. Price per kg live bird was almost similar between Nana and nana chicken (P>0.05), with Nana males sold at 10.57% higher price in comparison with that of nana chicken (P<0.01). Genotype and sex independently did not influence live weight (P>0.05). Genotype and sex interacted significantly (P<0.05) for live weight. Preference for Nana chickens was 58.73% for producers and 53.96% for consumers, whereas 41.26% producers and 46.03% consumers disliked Nana chickens. The reasons for liking Nana include better appearance, larger size, exotic looks rarity, larger egg size and high vigor. Dislike for Nana chicken is based on superstition, dull and sickly appearance, lower disease resistance, generally rarity, shortage of roosters, and higher feed requirement. Therefore, indigenous chickens may show potentials for productive adaptability, and Nana chicken might be suitable for production of egg and meat in tropical climate. 

Key words: Chicken, full feathered, naked neck, production, price, rural scavenging system.