Study from University of Abuja Reveals Growth Differences Between Male and Female Chickens in Tropical Climates
A recent study from University of Abuja, Nigeria, reveals that the sex of chickens significantly affects growth rate, feed efficiency, and survival under tropical poultry production systems. The research was conducted by Ahmed E. Jubril and J.O. Alagbe, who compared the performance of three widely used chicken strains—Noiler, Aco Black, and Isa Brown—during the first eight weeks of rearing.
The findings show a clear pattern: male chickens grow faster and convert feed more efficiently than females, but they also face a higher risk of mortality. This insight is important for poultry farmers in tropical regions because it helps guide management strategies that can improve productivity and reduce losses.
The study was published in the International Journal of Advanced Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS).
Poultry Production and Global Food Security
Poultry farming remains one of the most important sources of affordable animal protein worldwide. Chickens provide both meat and eggs and can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.
In many tropical countries, including Nigeria, the poultry sector supports household income, employment opportunities, and food security. However, poultry productivity in hot climates often faces challenges such as high temperatures, disease pressure, and environmental stress.
Biological differences between male and female chickens—known as sexual dimorphism—play a key role in determining growth patterns, feed efficiency, and survival rates. Despite its importance, comparative research examining these differences among multiple chicken strains in tropical production systems has been limited.
Comparing Three Popular Chicken Strains
The experiment was conducted at the teaching and research farm of University of Abuja, located in Nigeria’s Guinea Savanna agro-ecological zone. The region experiences average temperatures between 26°C and 30°C and relative humidity of about 60–70 percent, conditions typical of tropical poultry production environments.
The researchers raised 360 day-old chicks, consisting of:
-120 Noiler chickens
-120 Aco Black chickens
-120 Isa Brown chickens
Each strain included 60 males and 60 females. The birds were raised for eight weeks under standard poultry management conditions.
During the study period, the researchers recorded several production indicators, including:
-weekly body weight
-body weight gain
-feed intake
-feed conversion ratio (FCR)
-mortality and survival rates
The collected data were analyzed to determine how strain and sex influenced poultry performance.
Male Chickens Grow Faster
The results revealed consistent differences between male and female birds across all strains. Male chickens consistently achieved higher body weights than females throughout the eight-week period.
Among the three strains, Noiler males showed the fastest growth, reaching an average weight of about 1,201 grams at eight weeks of age.
In contrast, Isa Brown females recorded the lowest final weight, averaging approximately 697 grams by the end of the study.
The Aco Black strain demonstrated moderate growth performance. Male Aco Black chickens reached around 916 grams at eight weeks, placing them between the faster-growing Noiler birds and the slower-growing Isa Brown strain.
Researchers also observed that the growth difference between males and females became more pronounced as the birds aged.
Feed Efficiency and Mortality Patterns
In addition to growth performance, the study found notable differences in feed efficiency among the strains.
Noiler males recorded the most efficient feed conversion ratio, with an FCR of approximately 2.31. This means they required about 2.31 kilograms of feed to produce one kilogram of body weight gain.
However, rapid growth also came with a drawback. The fastest-growing strain showed the highest mortality rate.
The study reported that:
-Noiler males experienced mortality rates of up to 50 percent
-Aco Black chickens maintained survival rates of 96–100 percent
-Isa Brown birds recorded the highest survival rates overall, reaching 100 percent in males
This pattern suggests a trade-off between rapid growth and survival in poultry production systems.
Female Chickens Show Greater Resilience
Another important finding of the research is the higher resilience of female chickens under tropical conditions.
Female birds showed significantly lower mortality rates in several strains, with almost no deaths recorded among some groups during the study period.
Researchers suggest that hormonal factors may partly explain this pattern. Estrogen is believed to enhance immune responses, making female birds more resistant to stress and disease.
Male birds, on the other hand, experience higher metabolic demands due to faster muscle growth. This can increase their vulnerability to heat stress and health challenges, especially in hot climates.
Implications for Poultry Farmers
According to Ahmed E. Jubril of University of Abuja, the results highlight the importance of considering both genetic strain and sex when designing poultry production systems in tropical environments.
The findings offer several practical insights for farmers:
-Noiler males are suitable for rapid meat production but require stronger health management and environmental control.
-Isa Brown chickens are better suited for egg production due to their high survivability and lower feed requirements.
-Aco Black chickens offer a balance between growth performance and resilience, making them a promising option for small-scale farmers.
Sex-specific management strategies can help farmers optimize feed allocation, determine appropriate market age, and reduce production losses.
Toward More Efficient Tropical Poultry Production
The study reinforces the importance of biological factors such as sex in shaping poultry productivity. Understanding these differences allows farmers and agricultural planners to make more informed decisions about breeding, feeding, and management practices.
For tropical countries that rely heavily on poultry as an affordable source of protein, such insights can contribute to more efficient and sustainable production systems.
Author Profiles
Ahmed E. Jubril is a researcher at University of Abuja, Nigeria. His work focuses on poultry genetics, growth performance, and livestock production systems in tropical environments.
J.O. Alagbe is an academic specializing in animal nutrition, poultry productivity, and sustainable livestock management in tropical regions.
Research Source
Jubril, A. E., & Alagbe, J. O. (2023).
“Genotype-Dependent Sexual Dimorphism in Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency, and Survivability of Dual-Purpose and Layer Chickens Under Tropical Production Systems.”
Published in the International Journal of Advanced Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS), Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 233–240.
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