Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

2019; 8(2): 54-63

http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/aff
doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20190802.15
ISSN: 2328-563X (Print); ISSN: 2328-5648 (Online)

Assessment of the Prevailing Chicken Egg Storage

Materials and Length at Rural Household in Different Agro
Ecology of Eastern Ethiopia
Sisay Lemma*, Temesgen Terefe, Bezahegn Abebe
Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Oda Bultum University, Chiro, Ethiopia

Email address:
*
Corresponding author

To cite this article:

Sisay Lemma, Temesgen Terefe, Bezahegn Abebe. Assessment of the Prevailing Chicken Egg Storage Materials and Length at Rural
Household in Different Agro Ecology of Eastern Ethiopia. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Vol. 8, No. 2, 2019, pp. 54-63.
doi: 10.11648/j.aff.20190802.15

Received: April 26, 2019; Accepted: June 5, 2019; Published: June 26, 2019

Abstract: Assessment of the prevailing chicken egg storage materials and length at the rural household in different Agro
ecological zone of Eastern Ethiopia were conducted to assess the existing local egg storage facilities and length under the rural
farmers. From two zone representing Eastern Ethiopia and the lowland, midland and highland altitude, proportionally 10
districts of 30 rural kebeles were selected using probability proportional to sample size. From each selected rural kebeles, ten
farmers were purposely selected. A total of 300 chicken owner were interviewed by structured questionnaire. The collected
data were analyzed by SPSS software. The majority of the respondents (98%) in Eastern Ethiopia stored eggs for both
marketing and incubation in lowland (86.4%), midland (69.3%) and highland (91.2%) using plastic (28.8%), basket (28.4%
and (34.1%) followed by basket (25.4%), pot made of clay/ cow dung (23.9% and 23.8%) along with coffee hulls and dried
grass as bedding materials respectively. Mostly, eggs produced at home was used for incubation in lowland (75.9%), midland
(76.9%) and highland (73.9%); not experienced for home consumption except for household of better economic status and at
the festivity in a year, and to some extent purchased eggs from known neighbor where their qualities were evaluated by
shaking and sun candling in lowland (53.8%) and midland (46.7%) and sun candling in highland (51.4%). Hatching eggs were
stored more than a week in mid (43.1%) and highland (44%) and about a week in lowlands (48.2%) until the required number
of egg was produced for incubation by broody hen. Most of the respondents (78%) were select incubating eggs based on size in
lowland (44.9%) and color and size in mid (45.7%) and highland (54.4) preferably large size and white eggs. The common
hatching materials used in the area was pot in lowland (61.1%), mid (40%) and highland (53%). Due to suitable weather
condition, better hatchability, less disease and parasite infestation and better feed resource availability, most of the respondent
(70%) performed incubation during the dry season. Generally, rural poultry producer used different egg storage and hatching
materials for different duration, they may influence the quality of eggs for uses that require further investigation to evaluate
and recommend the best methods of storage material and duration across different agro ecology and provision of successful
training for rural poultry producer; women, on modern egg storage and incubation for improvement of poultry production.
Keywords: Agro-Ecology, Egg Storage Material and Length, Eastern Ethiopia

1. Introduction
The world poultry population has been estimated to be animal protein intake [2]. In East Africa, over 80% of human
about 16.2 billion, with 71.6% in developing countries, population lives in rural areas and over 75% of these
producing 67,718,544 metric tons of chicken meat and households keep free range indigenous chickens [2-3] where
57,861,747 metric tons of hen eggs [1]. In Africa, village Ethiopia is not exceptional.
poultry contributes over 70% of poultry products and 20% of Ethiopia has about 56.53 million of chicken population,
 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2019; 8(2): 54-63 55

where the 94.31% of them are indigenous chicken breeds 2. Materials and Methods
kept in rural area and the rest of 3.21% and 2.49% of the total
poultry are hybrid and exotic, respectively [4]. These 2.1. Description of the Study Area
traditional indigenous chicken production systems, the most The study was conducted in two zone; East and West
widespread and almost every rural family owns and provide a Harerghe, of ten districts of low land, midland and high land
valuable source of family protein and income and contribute agro-ecology of Eastern Ethiopia. West Hararghe zone is
the major national egg and poultry meat production as well as located at 326 km away from the capital Addis Ababa and
supply sufficient and balanced protein for the human health. Chiro is the capital of the zone. The zone has 17 districts and
However, the contribution of poultry sector to human 435 kebeles. The total human population of the zone is about
nutrition and export earnings is not proportional to the huge 2,260,649 of which 1,155,038 are male and 1,105,611 female
chicken numbers. This is attributed to the presence of [11]. Agriculture is the dominant economic activities mainly
different constraints like breed and age of the flock, type and mixed type of farming where 55 – 65% of the livelihood is
amount of feed, incidence of disease, management control of depend on food crops production, 12 – 15% livestock
the laying flock and handling of eggs. On the other hand, production, 10 -15% cash crops (including fruits &
from poultry product, eggs provide means through which the vegetables) and 5% pity trade in high and midlands.
animal protein of the populace can be met due to its essential Sorghum, Maize, Wheat, Teff, Haricot bean, khat and coffee
nutrient contents and supports life during embryonic growth productions are the dominant cereal crop and cash crop
[5] and one of the most palatable, nutritious and complete respectively. Agro-ecologically, the zone is classified as
food of animal protein known to man. Eggs are balanced 11.14% highland (dega) 38.67% midland (Weina Dega) and
sources of almost all essential amino acids as well as some 54.13% lowland (kolla). The altitude ranges from1200 to
minerals and vitamins [6]. Hence, egg proteins are used as 3060 meters above sea level with the average range of annual
standard for measuring the nutritional quality of other food rainfall of 850 – 1200mm with bimodal distribution during
products [7-8]. Belg and Meher seasons. Mean temperature varies between
In the absence of refrigeration, local egg storage materials 20.5°C and 24.5°C [12].
and practices are used in developing country, where Ethiopia Similarly, East Hararge Zone is located at 526 km away
is not exceptional, to keep the eggs cool until the time of from the capital Addis Ababa and Harar is the capital of the
selling and incubation and increase the shelf life and zone. The zone has 19 districts and 534 kebeles. The total
hatchability rate of the eggs. Likewise, in Ethiopia, different human population of the zone is 3,286,338 of which
type of local materials is used for the storage of eggs until it 1,664,365 are male and 1,621,973 female [11]. Agriculture is
is marketed and the hen is ready for brooding. The study the dominant economic activities mainly mixed type of
conducted in north part of Ethiopia revealed that all farmers farming where most of the livelihood is depend on food crops
collected the eggs on daily basis and 77.5% of them stored production and some on livestock production. The zone is
the eggs in container mixed with grains, 8.1% stored in classified in to three type of agro-ecology as highland,
mixed with flour, 11.9% stored in different available material midland and lowland. The average range of annual rainfall
and exceptionally 5% of the households in lowland stored the and temperature is 700 – 9000mm and 10°C – 26°C
egg mixed with sand placed on any container [9]. About respectively [13].
87.4%, 38.9% and 98.1% of village chicken owners in Bure,
Fogera and Dale woredas, respectively, destined eggs for 2.2. Data Collection Methods and Procedures
incubation and marketing are stored inside earthen material
(clay) together with grains/straws and the other preferred The study was accomplished through interview using
containers until the hen finishes lying and starts broodiness structured questionnaires augmented with focus group
[10]. Sand was also used almost by all farmers as bedding discussion with Development agents. The surveyed districts
material to keep the environmental temperature low and of the zone was stratified into highland, midland and lowland
maximize hatchability [9]. Such practices have positive agro-ecological zones that help to select sampled districts by
impact on increasing the shelf life and hatchability rate of the using probability proportional to sample size; and the
eggs since storage time can influence the viability of the eggs interviewees were selected from highland, lowland and
by reducing the thick white content of the eggs and on the midland agro-ecological zones, respectively through
other hand by increasing the amount of thin white and air purposive sampling methods. Then Peasant Associations was
space inside the eggs. selected purposely based on the potential for poultry
However, despite the chicken eggs are more numerously production, relatively larger household numbers, accessibility
produced and selling in the area to date, there is no sufficient and infrastructure. Finally, a total of 300 household were
studies conducted on the prevailing egg storage materials and interviewed to collect data on socio-economics, egg storage
duration. Thus, this study was designed with the objectives of methods and facilities used and storage period.
assessing the prevailing local egg storage facilities and 2.3. Statistical Analysis
storage length under the rural farmers’ level in Eastern part
of Ethiopia. All collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package
for Social Sciences [13] package. Descriptive statistics such
56 Sisay Lemma et al.: Assessment of the Prevailing Chicken Egg Storage Materials and Length at Rural
Household in Different Agro Ecology of Eastern Ethiopia

as mean, frequency distribution and percentage was used to were Widowed, divorced and polygamy respectively.
report the results. Regarding the level of education, 40.3% of the interviewed
respondent had not received any formal or informal
3. Result education which was high in lowland area (60%) followed by
mid land (36.7%) and highland area (34.7%) indicating
3.1. Socio Economic Characteristics of Respondents respondent in low land area had given less attention for
education may be due to the majority of the dweller given
A total sample size of rural household respondent handled priority for livestock rearing particularly for cattle and small
during the survey in East and West Hararghe zone of low, ruminant including camel. The remain 29%, 21.7% and 9%
mid and high land of ten districts were 300. Out of the total of the respondents were attended primary first and second
sample respondents, female comprised 55.7% (n=97) in East cycle education (1-8 grade), basic education and secondary
and 44.3% (n=77) in West Hararghe zone of the Eastern part education respectively (Table 1). This result indicated that
of Ethiopia that revealed that females were participated in educated farmers in mid and highland area performed poultry
poultry production activities (58%) than male in Eastern activity than lowland area may be due to the majority of the
Ethiopia indicating that female are playing a prominent role people give priority for cattle and small ruminant production
in poultry rearing. From interviewed respondents, 95.3% including camel than poultry.
were married while 3.3%, 0.7% and 0.7% of the respondent
Table 1. Socioeconomic profile of the respondents in the study areas.

Agro ecology
Overall
Parameter Category Lowland midland highland
N % N % N % N %
Male 22 33.3 38 42.2 66 44 126 42
Sex
Female 38 63.3 52 57.8 84 56 174 58
Illiterate 36 60 33 36.7 52 34.7 121 40.3
Writing and reading 15 25 18 20 32 21.3 65 21.7
Educational Status
1-8grade 6 10 31 34.4 50 33.3 87 29
9-12grade 3 5 8 8.9 16 10.7 27 9
Married 56 93.3 87 96.7 143 95.3 286 95.3
Polygamy 1 1.7 1 1.1 - - 2 0.7
Marital status
Widowed 3 5 1 1.1 6 4 10 3.3
Divorced - 1 1.1 1 0.7 2 0.7

N= Number of respondent in agro ecology,% = Percentage

The mean of the age of the respondents in low land, 3.2. Flock Size, Purpose of Rearing and Responsible
midland and highland area of the respondent were 40.2, 37.2, Family for Chicken Management
and 39.2 with the average family size of were 5.8, 6.7 and 6.5
respectively (Table 2). These ages composition indicates that The overall average number of chicken per household was
the respondents engaged in poultry activity were in a 8.8±2.9 SEM with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 20
potential productive ages. As the result indicated, the average and the mean flock composition per household for chicks
family size of the respondent in the study area were 5.8, 6.7 pullets, cockerels, hens and cocks was 7.11 ±1.3 SEM,
and 6.5 in the three agro ecology of the area (Table 2) 8.4±1.4 SEM, 2.7±0.3 SEM, 6.2±0.97 SEM and 2 ±0.4 SEM
indicating high family size both in mid and highland area respectively indicating the respondent engaged in poultry
may be due to the favorable climatic condition. production.
The purposes of rearing chicken by the respondent were
Table 2. Age and family size of the respondents. for income generation and home consumption in the study
Agro
area. As the result revealed, most of the respondents gave the
Category N Minimum Maximum Mean +SEM highest priority for sale of both eggs and live chicken (67%)
ecology
Age 26 58 40.2 1.13 used to purchase food items, cover educational expense for
Low land 60 children’s and other followed by home consumption (33%)
Family size 2 9 5.8 0.24
This was the highest in lowland (75%) followed by highland
Mid land Age 25 60 37.2 6.7
90 (66%) and midland (63.3%) may be due to the suitable
Family size 0 12 6.7 0.21 climatic condition and economic status difference with agro
Age 25 62 39.2 7.8 ecology.
High land 150
Family size 0 12 6.6 0.21 Concerning the management of chicken, as the result
Over all Age 25 62 38.4 0.46
indicated in Table 3, men were mainly responsible in the
300 construction of night resting place which account 46.7% in
Family size 0 12 6.5 0.13
low land, 67.8% in midland and 70.7% in highland area.
N: number of respondent in agro ecology; SEM: Standard Error of Mean Children also shared the responsibility of chicken house
construction following men. Women were performed most of
 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2019; 8(2): 54-63 57

the other management activities in chicken rearing. They for selling and buying (85, 81.1 and 81.3%) in lowland,
dominated in feeding and watering (81.7, 71.3 and 57.8%), midland and highland respectively that indicate women play
keeping the sanitation (71.7, 60 and 77.3%) and treatment of an important role in indigenous chicken production followed
sick birds (58.3, 76.7 and 85.3%) as well as decision making by children in the rural area of Eastern Ethiopia.
Table 3. Responsibility of family in chicken management.

Agro ecology
overall
Parameter Lowland midland highland
N % N % N % N %
Men 28 46.7 61 67.8 106 70.7 195 65
Construction of house,
women 13 21.7 4 4.4 3 2 20 6.7
perch if so
Children 19 31.6 25 27.8 41 27.3 85 28.3
Men 5 8.3 19 21.1 24 16 48 16
Feeding and watering women 49 81.7 52 57.8 107 71.3 208 69.3
Children 6 10 19 21.1 19 12.7 44 4.7
Men - - - - -
Cleaning women 43 71.7 54 60 116 77.3 213 71
Children 17 28.3 36 40 34 22.7 87 29
Men 7 11.7 7 7.8 6 4 20 6.7
Treating sick birds women 35 58.3 69 76.7 128 85.3 232 77.3
Children 18 30 14 15.5 16 10.7 48 16
Men 3 5 16 17.8 9 6 28 9.3
Decision making for
women 51 85 73 81.1 122 81.3 246 82
selling and buying
Children 6 10 1 1 19 12.7 26 8.7

N= Number of respondent in agro ecology, % = Percentage

3.3. Hatching Egg Storage and Management Practices The majority of egg storage materials before incubation
were pot made of clay and dung, plastic, basket, carton,
The result of this study revealed that, the majority of the ‘buke’ (gourd) depending on the availability. The most
respondents (98%) were stored eggs in Eastern Ethiopia. The widely used storage materials in low land, midland and
purpose of those stored eggs were mainly used for both highland were plastic (28.8%), basket (28.4%) and basket
marketing and incubation in lowland (86.4%), midland made of bamboo (34.1%) followed by basket (25.4%), pot
(69.3%) and highland (91.2%) (Table 4). But, the experience made of clay or cow dung (23.9%) and pot (23.8%) along
of local chicken production in the Eastern part of the country with coffee hulls and dried grass as bedding materials
is not for home consumption except for household of better respectively as indicated in Table 4.
economic status and during the festivity in a year where the
household head given priority followed by children.
Table 4. Purpose of storage and type of Egg storage materials.

Agro ecology
Over all
Parameters Category Lowland Midland Highland
N % N % N % N %
Yes 59 98.3 88 97.8 147 98 294 98
Did you store the egg
No 1 1.7 2 2.2 3 2 6 2
Home consumption 2 3.4 6 6.8 8 5.4 16 5.4
Marketing 3 5.1 17 19.3 5 3.4 25 8.5
Purpose of egg storage
Incubation 3 5.1 4 4.5 10 6.8 17 5.8
Marketing and incubation 51 86.4 61 69.3 124 91.2 236 80.3
pot 9 15.3 21 23.9 35 23.8 65 22.1
Plastic 17 28.8 16 18.2 26 17.7 59 20
Type of egg storage Basket 15 25.4 25 28.4 50 34.1 90 30.6
materials Carton 11 18.6 15 17.0 18 12.2 44 15
In grain - 8 9.1 13 8.8 21 7.1
Buke/Gourd 7 11.9 3 3.4 5 3.4 15 5.1

N= Number of respondent in agro ecology, % = Percentage

3.4. Hatching Egg Source, Storage Length and Selection produced at home and purchased from market. But, the
Criteria majority of the respondents used egg produced at home in
lowland (75.9%), midland (76.9%) and highland (73.9%)
The egg used for incubation as indicated in Table 5 were followed by purchased known eggs from neighbor for
from different sources like purchased from the neighbor, incubation purposes after testing its quality through a means
58 Sisay Lemma et al.: Assessment of the Prevailing Chicken Egg Storage Materials and Length at Rural
Household in Different Agro Ecology of Eastern Ethiopia

of shaking and sun candling in lowland (53.8%) and midland almost equal size of respondents (46.3 and 48.2%) stored egg
(46.7%) and sun candling in highland (54.4%) area. for the same length; 1 to 8 and 9 to 16 days, in lowland
As the result indicated, the eggs laid by local breed at respectively until the required number of egg was produced
home and used for incubation was stored for more than nine for incubation. Almost, the entire respondent used broody
days (44.7%) before setting. Agro ecologically, the result hen for incubation and the practices of artificial incubation is
revealed that 43.1% and 44% of the respondent stored egg not common even in the area where there is electric power
for more than a week in both mid and highland area and supply.
Table 5. Hatching egg Source, quality assessment, storage length, selection and treatment.

Agro ecology
overall
Parameters Category Lowland Midland Highland
N % N % N N %
Purchased from neighbor 9 16.7 13 20 30 22.4 52 20.6
Source of egg for
Laid at home 41 75.9 50 76.9 99 73.9 190 75.1
incubation
Purchased from market 4 7.4 2 3.1 5 3.7 11 4.3
Sun candling 4 30.8 4 26.7 18 51.4 26 41.3
If purchased incubated
shaking - 3 20 8 22.9 11 17.5
egg, how do you test
Shaking and sun candling 7 53.8 7 46.7 6 17.1 20 31.7
quality
Floatation 2 15.4 1 6.7 3 8.6 6 9.5
1-8days 25 46.3 25 38.5 34 25.4 84 33.2
Length of egg storage
9-16days 26 48.2 28 43.1 59 44 113 44.7
before incubation
More than 17days 3 5.5 12 18.4 41 30.6 56 22.1
Do you select hatching Yes 35 71.4 46 70.8 103 76.9 184 74.2
eggs No 14 28.6 19 29.2 31 23.1 64 25.8
Shape 4 11.4 6 13 12 11.7 22 12.0
If yes, criterion for Storage age 4 11.4 5 10.9 12 11.7 21 11.4
selection Size of egg 22 44.9 14 30.4 23 22.3 59 32.1
Color and egg size 5 14.3 21 45.7 56 54.4 82 44.6
Do you treat egg yes 13 24.1 24 36.9 63 47.1 100 39.5
before incubation No 41 75.9 41 63.1 71 52.9 153 60.5
If yes, type of Washing with water 6 46.2 8 33 16 25.4 30 30
treatment Cleaning with dry cloth 7 53.8 16 66.7 47 74.6 70 70

N= Number of respondent in agro ecology, % = Percentage

Before incubating the egg, more than 74.2% of the incubation and storage on the hatchability.
respondents were select the egg in the study area based on
shape, size, storage age and color. But, most of the 3.5. Incubating Material and Brooding Management
respondents were selected the eggs based on size of egg in As the result indicated on Table 6, the type of incubating
lowland (44.9%) and both the color and size in mid (45.7%) materials in the rural area of Eastern Ethiopia was pot, basket
and highlands (54.4%). Large size and white color egg was carton and shallow depression on ground. The common
given priority in low land (53.7%), midland (60%) and materials used as hatching egg setting was pot made of clay
highland (59.5%). and cow dung in lowland (61.1%), mid (40%) and highland
In Eastern Ethiopia, most of the respondent (60.5%) was (53%) area with grass in low and mid land and grass and
not experience to treat eggs before incubation. This is high in straw in highland as bedding materials depending on its
low land (75.9%) followed by midland (63.1%) while availability. The trend of changing bedding material was not
respondent in highland had better experience in hatching egg commonly practiced. Egg setting material was placed close
treatment than the two may be better exposure to extension to fireplace or in protected dark area.
service as a result office proximity. The common treatment More than 80% of the respondent of the current study
used was washing with cold water and cleaning with dry select broody hen based on body size, broody behavior and
cloth. Cleaning with dry cloth (70%) was more practiced than previous hatching ability in all agro ecology. But, body size
washing in the area which was high in mid (66.7%) and was the main criterion used. The practice of selecting broody
highland (74.6) area. hen based on its size was high in highland (88.8%) followed
Almost all respondents have never observed the position of by mid (73.8) and low in low land (66.7%) in decreasing rate
eggs during incubation as well as at storage may be due to as agro ecology change from highland to lowland.
the farmers did not know the effect of egg position during
 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2019; 8(2): 54-63 59

Table 6. Egg hatching material and brooding management.

Agro ecology
Over all
Parameters Category Lowland Midland Highland
N % N % N % N %
Pot with straw/grass 33 61.1 26 40 71 53 130 51.4
Basket with straw/grass 6 11.1 11 17 24 18 41 16.2
Incubated egg materials
On ground with straw/grass 9 16.7 12 18.4 23 17.1 44 17.4
Carton 6 11.1 16 24.6 16 11.9 38 15.0
Where do you set/place the In dark and protected corner 50 92.6 45 69.2 90 67.2 185 73.1
broody material? In light and protected corner 4 7.4 20 30.8 44 32.8 68 26. 9
At rainy season 2 3.7 - 5 3.7 5 2.0
When is the incubation
At dry season 39 72.2 45 69.2 92 68.7 176 70.1
season in a year
When egg is available 13 24.1 20 30.8 37 27.6 70 27.9
Is there seasonal variability yes 49 90.7 47 72.3 92 68.7 188 74.3
on hatchability No 5 9.3 18 26.7 42 31.3 65 25.7
At rainy season 2 4.1 7 8.6 9 5.1
If yes, at which the highest
At dry season 46 93.9 33 70.2 58 70.7 137 76.9
hatchability exhibit
Not noticed yet 1 2.0 14 29.8 17 20.7 32 17.0
Grind grain 11 20.4 21 32.3 72 53.7 104 41.1
Type of feed used for
Water soaked Enjera 23 42.6 38 58.5 60 44.8 121 47.8
rearing chicken
Scavenging 20 37 6 9.2 2 3.1 28 11.1
Hanging the bird 32 53.3 31 34.4 35 23.3 98 37
Depriving from feed & water 2 3.3 7 7.8 5 3.3 14 4.7
Practices to avoid
Disturbing in the nest 15 25 10 11.1 32 21.3 57 19
broodiness of hen if not
Moving to neighbors - - 11 12.2 27 18 38 12.7
used
disturbing and moving to neighbor 2 3.3 6 6.7 23 15.3 31 10.3
disturbing and hanging 9 15 25 27.8 28 18.7 62 20.7

In Eastern Ethiopia, the entire respondent practices natural 4. Discussion

incubation system using broody hens. About 70% of the
respondent preferred to allow broody hen to hatch during the The result of this finding indicated that poultry rearing in
dry season due to seasonal variability on hatchability as Eastern Ethiopia was undertaken by females (58%) with the
respondent reported in lowland (90.7%), mid (72.3%) and average chicken holding of 8.8±2.9 SEM which was higher
(68.7%) which is better hatchability during the dry season in than 5.56, 6.23 and 5.6 [15, 16] and lower than 9.92, 12.38,
lowland (93.9%), midland (70.2%) and highland (70.7%), 33.5, 26.1, 24.2, 23.14, and 30 [10, 18-23] respectively.
less chicken mortality due to less disease and parasite The primary purpose of rearing poultry were for sale of
infestation, less environmental temperature problem and both eggs and live chicken (67%) to generate income for
better feed resource availability as compared with rainy food and educational expense especially in lowland agro
season. ecology (75%) due to the unsuitable climatic condition and
During rearing period, the respondent used water soaked low economic status than the two agro-ecology as some
Enjera and grain of maize and sorghum, depending on the finding indicated that the overall purpose of keeping poultry
availability and scavenging most of the time in a day and also by poor group (46.2%), medium (35.0%) and rich (44.3%)
provides water intermittently. From these feed source, water were for sale, religious and home consumption, respectively
soaked Enjera is the common feed sources in lowland [24]. This implied that the contribution of poultry to improve
(42.6%) and mid land (58%) while almost both grain and the protein need of the rural farmer of lowland area was less
water soaked Enjera in highland. But, during incubation than the two-agro ecology due to the primary objective of
period broody hen rely mainly on scavenging house left over raising chicken was for sale of egg and live chicken and
grain and supplementation was not practiced in the area like consumption of egg was given secondary importance.
the period of egg laying. Likewise, the purpose of keeping poultry by most of the
Traditionally, rural poultry producer practice different respondents in different area was mainly for sale of live
means of breaking broodiness like handing the birds chickens and eggs for income generation and also for
downward and depriving from water and feed, disturbing the hatching and home consumptions as reported [10, 15, 24-27].
egg laying nest and moving to neighbors to increase egg But it is different from the finding of Kibret B [28] who
production. As the result indicated in Table 6, the common revealed that the primary function of poultry production by
type used in Eastern Ethiopia was handing the birds in farmer is provision of meat and egg for home consumption.
lowland (53.3%), midland (34.4%) and highland (23.3%) In the management of chicken, men were mainly
followed by disturbing the nest in lowland (25%) and responsible in the construction of night resting place
highland (21.3%) and both disturbing the nest and hanging followed by children that was low in lowland (46.7%) and
the birds is refuse to leave during disturbing the nest. high in highland (70.7%). The variation of this result in the
agro-ecology was due to men and children given priority in
60 Sisay Lemma et al.: Assessment of the Prevailing Chicken Egg Storage Materials and Length at Rural
Household in Different Agro Ecology of Eastern Ethiopia

looking after livestock in lowland. Women were performed (44.9%) and both the color and size in mid (45.7%) and
most of the other management activities like feeding and highlands (54.4%). The size and color of eggs selected was
watering (81.7, 71.3 and 57.8%), keeping the sanitation large size and white color egg in low land (53.7%), midland
(71.7, 60 and 77.3%) and treatment of sick birds (58.3, 76.7 (60%) and highland (59.5%) that in line with the result
and 85.3%) as well as decision making for selling and buying obtained at Woliyita zone and North Wollo who practice
(85, 81.1 and 81.3%) in lowland, midland and highland agro selection of eggs for incubation based on size, shape and
ecology respectively that agreed with the different findings color [26, 37] respectively. But, most of the respondent
stated as men were mainly responsible for shelter (60.5%) was not experienced to treat eggs before incubation.
construction and /or partition (preparations of roosting This is high in low land (75.9%) followed by midland
materials) and women’s’ for several activities like cleaning (63.1%) while respondent in highland had better experience
chicken house or shelter, provision of feeds and selling of in hatching egg treatment than the two may be due to better
chickens and eggs in different agro ecology [29, 17, 30, 10, exposure to extension service as a result office proximity.
15, 27]. This indicated women play an important role in The common treatment used was washing with cold water
indigenous chicken production and management practices in and cleaning with dry cloth where treating with dry cloth
the rural area of Eastern Ethiopia followed by children like (70%) was more practiced which was high in mid (66.7%)
other developing countries [31]. and highland (74.6). this result is comparable with 59% of
In the Eastern part of the country, the majority of the the respondent practiced treating or rubbing the eggs using
respondents (98%) were stored eggs for the marketing and dry cloth before incubation [26, 38, 39]. But, almost all
incubation with less experience for home consumption respondents have never observed the position of eggs during
except for house hold of better economic status and during incubation as well as storage that may be due to the farmers
the festivity in a year in the three agro ecology. The egg did not know the effect of egg position during incubation and
storage materials was varies depending on the availability in storage on the hatchability [35].
different area. The most widely used storage materials in low The common type of materials used as hatching egg in the
land, midland and highland were plastic (28.8%), basket rural area of Eastern Ethiopia was pot made of clay and cow
made of bamboo (28.4% and 34.1%) followed by basket dung in lowland (61.1%), mid (40%) and highland (53%)
(25.4%) and pot made of clay or cow dung (23.9% and area with grass in low and midland and grass and straw in
23.8%) along with coffee hulls or dried grass as bedding highland as bedding materials depending on its availability
materials respectively. This is supported by the finding of that placed close to fireplace or in protected dark area. In
some result who stated that carton (20%), basket (41.8%), contrast to this, bamboo basket, cartons and simply shallow
and clay pot (34.2%) were the most common storage depression in the ground are the common materials used as
materials in different agro ecology [32] and residues of Tef hatching egg set in different agro ecological zone of Ethiopia
(Eragrostis tef) wheat and barley straws were used as [26, 33]. The trend of changing bedding material was not
bedding materials in different agro-ecological zones of commonly practiced.
Ethiopia [33]. More than 80% of the respondent of the current study
Most of the respondents were used home laid egg for select broody hen based on body size, broody behavior and
incubation in lowland (75.9%), midland (76.9%) and highland previous hatching ability in all agro ecology. But, body size
(73.9%) followed by purchased known eggs from neighbor was the main criterion used for selection. The practice of
after testing its quality by shaking and sun candling in lowland selecting broody hen based on its size was high in highland
(53.8%) and midland (46.7%) and sun candling in highland (88.8%) followed by mid (73.8) and low in low land (66.7%)
(54.4%) area like the respondent of Metekel household who in decreasing rate as agro ecology change from highland to
incubate eggs laid at home [34]. Those eggs were stored for lowland. This finding is agreed with research conducted in
more than nine days (44.7%) before setting. Agro ecologically, North Wollo that stated as broody hen selection was based on
about 48.2%, 43.1% and 44% of the respondent stored egg for body size and broodiness ability giving high priority for body
the average of duration of about 12 days with the range of 9 to size [16, 37]. But, it is in contrast to the finding of [26] that
16days in low, mid and highland respectively until the required reported brooding hen for incubation were selected based on
number of egg was produced for incubation which was similar body size, broody character, hatching history and number of
with the finding of [35] who stated that the overall average egg laid giving high priority for broody character followed
pre-incubation storage duration was 12 days with ranges of 4 by hatching history
to 20 days in East Wollega. Almost the entire respondent used Hatching of eggs were preferred during the dry season by
broody hen for incubation and the practices of artificial the rural household in Eastern Ethiopia due to seasonal
incubation is not performed even in the area where there is variability in hatchability (74.3%) according to the report of
electric power supply as the report of other findings were also respondents in lowland (90.7%), midland (72.3%) and
indicated [26, 36]. highland (68.7%) which is better hatchability during the dry
Before incubating the egg, more than 74% of the season in lowland (93.9%), midland (70.2%) and highland
respondents were select the egg in the study area based on (70.7%) [2] and less chicken mortality due to less disease and
shape, size, storage age and color. The most common criteria parasite infestation, less environmental stress and better feed
used for selection were based on size of egg in lowland resource availability as compared with rainy season. This is
 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2019; 8(2): 54-63 61

in lined with the finding of some authors who revealed that soaked “Enjera” in lowland and midland and almost both
the respondents used broody hens for hatching eggs and grain and water soaked Enjera in highland. If farmers did not
growing chick during the dry season where there is good feed use broody hen for hatching, broodiness was interrupted by
resources, less disease risk and favorable environment for handing the bird down low, mid and highland followed by
growing chick [40, 26, 41, 42, 10, 16, 43]. disturbing the nest in low and highlands and both disturbing
Newly hatched chicks was feed on water soaked Enjera the nest and hanging the birds is refuse to leave during
and grain of maize and sorghum, depending on the disturbing the nest to resume laying.
availability and scavenging most of the time in a day and also
provides water intermittently. Water soaked Enjera was the 6. Recommendation
common feed sources in lowland (42.6%) and mid land
(58%) while grind grain was the common in highland The result of the study indicated that, there are a number of
(53.7%) which is in consistent with [42] who reported that egg storage methods depending on the availability of
70% of the chicken owner provide in water soaked Enjera materials, egg storage duration and handling of eggs that
(local bread prepared from flour teffs (Eragrostic teff). But, influence the quality of eggs before incubation as well as
during incubation, broody hen rely on scavenging house left utilization. So, further investigation is required to evaluate
over grain and supplementation was not practiced in the area and recommend the best methods of storage material and
like the period of egg laying.. duration across different agro ecology and as most of poultry
The broody hen that was not used for incubation by the management is performed by women, provision of successful
rural poultry producer practice different means of breaking training on modern egg storage, incubation and the effect of
broodiness; handing the birds downward and depriving from egg storage on the quality of egg and hatchability is essential
water and feed, disturbing the egg laying nest and moving to for improvement of poultry production.
neighbors. But, the most common type was handing the birds
in lowland (53.3%), midland (34.4%) and highland (23.3%) Acknowledgements
followed by disturbing the nest in lowland (25%) and
highland (21.3%) and both disturbing the nest and hanging The authors appreciate Haramaya University for financial
the birds is refuse to leave during disturbing the nest. In supports to undertake this work. Livestock and Fisheries
contrast to this, few authors indicated that the majority of the Office of East and West Harerghe Zone have also
respondents were take broody hen to the neighbor to break acknowledged for their direct and indirect contribution
broodiness [26, 36, 38]. during data collection from rural households.

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