There are various items that are generally used in order to describe the various kienyeji rearing systems and techniques. In the recent years, farmers have been exposed to Improved techniques that involve improved Kienyeji breeds as well as improved kienyeji chicken management techniques in the traditional kienyeji farming. The term most commonly used to describe the innovation in the Kienyeji rearing is Improved Kienyeji Chicken Farming and it generally results in better yields and more profits in the pockets of farmers.
Some of the common terms that you are likely to encounter include the following:-
- Traditional free range
- Improved Semi-free range system
- Pasture-fed chicken rearing ‘
- Organic kienyeji chicken rearing
- Humanely grown chicken
- Grain-fed chicken
So which of these is the best for you? What is best you depends on your environment, space and circumstances. In any case, the kienyeji chicken can be reared in almost any environment as long as you can get a little space but it is always best to do this where there is good space in order to unlock the various advantages that come with the free-range system such as good meat quality and healthy meat.
Organic chicken: This is the best method for getting the best meat quality but it is very expensive and not suitable where you are rearing your kienyeji for commercial purposes. In Kenya, generally, you will have a hard time sourcing purely organic foods that will be sufficient to feed your kienyeji chicken.
Free range system: In this system, the chickens are on the floor of the kienyeji chicken house and not locked in cages. Additionally, they are allowed to roamed outside for pasture and scavenge food as well as little sunshine which is good for meat quality and muscle development. In the Improved Semi-Free range system of rearing, the chicken are confined in a space inside a chicken run that Is fenced with a chicken wire.
Pasture fed chicken: – In this farming system which is also called the traditional free range system, the chicken are fed naturally and are free to roam about and feed on the pasture. This requires a lot of grazing space in order to meet the chicken’s feeding needs. Another drawback is that the chicken may not get sufficient feed to satisfy their requirements. The biggest advantage is that it is organic and the chicken are exposed to very diverse and highly nutritious feeds.
Grain fed chicken: Grain-fed chicken are simply chicken that eat grain in any of the rearing systems mentioned above but these need to be supplemented with other feeds in order to ensure that the feeding is well-balanced.