Meat chicken farming is one of the most popular poultry businesses in Kenya because chicken meat has a ready market among households, hotels, restaurants, butcheries and institutions. However, choosing the right chicken breed is one of the most important decisions a farmer has to make.
Not every chicken breed grows at the same rate or produces the same amount of meat. Some are specifically bred for fast growth, while others are dual-purpose breeds that can provide both meat and eggs. Your choice should depend on your target market, available capital, feed costs and how quickly you want to sell the birds.
1. Broilers – Best for fast meat production
When it comes to commercial meat production, broilers are among the best choices for farmers.
Broilers have been selectively bred to grow quickly and convert feed into body weight efficiently. Under good management, commercial broilers can reach market weight in roughly 5–8 weeks, depending on the breed, feeding programme and target market.
Their biggest advantage is speed. A farmer does not have to wait for several months before getting returns.
However, broilers require proper management. Good-quality feeds, clean water, vaccination, proper ventilation and appropriate stocking density are essential. Poor management can lead to slow growth, diseases and high mortality.
For farmers interested in supplying chicken meat to hotels, restaurants and butcheries, broilers are often a practical choice.
2. Kenbro – A Popular Dual-Purpose Option
Kenbro is a popular Kenyan chicken breed developed for both meat and egg production.
Unlike commercial broilers, Kenbro chickens grow more slowly, but they can be attractive to farmers looking for a bird that serves more than one purpose. They are also generally considered suitable for free-range or semi-intensive systems.
Kenbro can be particularly useful for small-scale farmers who want to sell mature birds while also maintaining birds for egg production.
The main disadvantage is that they take longer to reach the desired meat size compared with broilers. Farmers therefore need to plan for a longer feeding period.
3. Kuroiler – Good for Meat and Eggs
Kuroiler chickens are another popular option for farmers looking for a dual-purpose breed.
They are known for their ability to perform under relatively low-input production systems compared with highly specialized commercial birds. Kuroilers can provide both meat and eggs, making them attractive to smallholder farmers.
Their ability to forage can also be useful where farmers have access to outdoor space. However, supplementary feeding remains important if the goal is to achieve good growth and body weight.
Kuroiler can be a good choice for farmers who are not necessarily targeting the fastest possible meat production.
4. Sasso – Suitable for Free-Range Meat Production
Sasso chickens have become increasingly popular among farmers interested in improved indigenous-type chickens.
They are generally valued for their meat quality, hardiness and ability to perform in free-range or semi-intensive systems. They grow more slowly than commercial broilers but can produce a larger mature bird with a different texture and flavour that some consumers prefer.
This makes Sasso particularly interesting for farmers targeting consumers who prefer improved indigenous chicken rather than standard broiler meat.
5. Improved Indigenous Chicken
Improved indigenous chickens are another excellent option, particularly for small-scale farmers.
They are generally more adaptable to local conditions than highly specialized breeds and can perform well under free-range or semi-intensive systems when properly managed.
Their growth rate is usually slower than that of broilers, but they can command attractive prices in some local markets because consumers often prefer indigenous chicken.
Farmers should, however, buy chicks from reliable hatcheries because the quality and performance of improved indigenous birds can vary.
Broilers vs Indigenous Chicken: Which is better?
The answer depends on your business goal.
If your priority is fast growth and quick turnover, broilers are generally the better choice.
If you want meat and eggs from the same flock, Kenbro or Kuroiler may be more suitable.
If your target customers prefer indigenous-style chicken Sasso or improved indigenous chicken can provide an interesting business opportunity.
Farmers should also consider feed costs. A breed that grows quickly but consumes expensive feed may not automatically generate the highest profit. What matters is the relationship between feed consumed, weight gained, mortality, selling price and production costs.
Factors to consider before choosing a meat chicken breed
Market demand
Before buying chicks, find out what customers in your area actually want. Some markets prefer broilers, while others are willing to pay more for indigenous or improved indigenous chicken.
Feed availability and cost
Feed is one of the largest expenses in poultry farming. Choose a breed whose feeding requirements you can comfortably meet throughout the production cycle.
Growth Period
Farmers with limited capital may prefer fast-growing birds because they can sell them sooner and reinvest the money into another production cycle.
Housing System
Some breeds perform well under intensive systems, while others are more suitable for free-range or semi-intensive farming.
Disease management
No breed is completely resistant to poultry diseases. Good vaccination, hygiene, biosecurity, ventilation and proper nutrition are essential regardless of the breed you choose.
Choosing the best chicken breed for meat depends on your farming system and target market. Broilers are ideal for farmers seeking fast growth and quick returns, while Kenbro, Kuroiler, Sasso and improved indigenous chickens can be attractive for farmers targeting dual-purpose or indigenous-style poultry markets.
Most importantly, don’t choose a breed simply because another farmer is making money from it. Study your local market, calculate your feed and other production costs, identify your target selling weight and determine how much customers are willing to pay.
In poultry farming, the best breed is not necessarily the one that grows fastest,it is the one that gives you the best return after all your costs are considered.
Author: Moureen Koech
Moureen Koech is a passionate Digital Journalist, an adept Agribusiness Writer with a keen eye for news and an impactful story-teller,whose stories provide key value to Agripreneurs and stakeholders in the Agricultural sector
