Broiler Chicken
Gallus gallus domesticus
Commercial fast-growing meat strains developed by international breeding companies Cobb-Vantress and Aviagen; Cobb 500 and Ross 308 are the two dominant strains raised in Kenya's commercial and peri-urban poultry sector, selected purely for growth rate and feed efficiency.
Species
Avian
Family
Phasianidae
Climate requirements
Requires enclosed, well-ventilated housing with controlled brooding temperature (32-35C in week one, stepped down weekly); far less climate-hardy than indigenous birds and vulnerable to heat stress, cold drafts and disease, so is best suited to managed deep-litter housing in Kenya's highland and peri-urban poultry belts.
Husbandry guide
Stocked at roughly 10-12 birds per square meter, reaching a market weight of 1.5-2.5kg in just 6-8 weeks (35-42 days) with a feed conversion ratio around 1.6-1.8kg feed per kg gain. Vaccination follows Marek's, Newcastle disease and Gumboro (IBD) at the hatchery on day 1, an ND booster around day 7-10, an IBD booster day 14-21, and fowl pox around week 4. Fed starter crumbs for the first 3 weeks then a finisher ration; needs strict biosecurity and consistent feed/water access since mortality rises quickly under poor management.
Economic importance
The short 6-8 week production cycle gives Kenyan smallholders and commercial farmers fast cash turnover, supplying strong urban demand from hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; it is the standard entry point for quick-turnaround poultry businesses.