A meat preference and acceptability test trial with farmers is taking place. Meat from chickens, ducks and pigeons of two different age groups is being evaluated.
There will be attempt to generate genetic parameters (h2, genetic correlations) for chickens by tracing the pedigree through the hen. Hens from the centres will have their chicks traced up to several hatches and generations. Because flock species are under a free-ranging system, it is not possible to trace pedigree through the cockerels that will be distributed to farmers. These cockerels will join others in the flocks, where mating will be random. However, hens and their hen offspring will be followed. There is a hen pedigree recording system at the Bunda breeding centre and this will be expanded to the village breeding centres and farmer breeders to increase the number of records. Through individual identification, individual records will be collected.
Farmers will be given training in rural poultry management, supplementation, housing, disease control and record-keeping. Breeders will receive training in the creation of local multiplication centres, the cockerel-exchange system and periods of exchange, and early weaning. The committee will be trained in management issues. Some farmers will be selected and trained to be technicians for the administration of the vaccines. This training will equip farmers with techniques to use after the project phase, and this will help ensure sustainability.