Kuroiler, Kenbro, Rainbow Rooster, and KARI Improved Chicken are all breeds of chickens that have been selectively bred for specific characteristics. These chicken breeds were developed for specific purposes, such as meat or egg production, and have different characteristics that make them well-suited for different farming systems and environments.
The Kuroiler is a dual-purpose breed developed in India that is known for its high-quality meat and good egg-laying ability. These chickens are hardy and able to survive in a variety of environmental conditions. They are also able to forage for their own food, making them well-suited for free-range farming systems.
The Kenbro chicken is a breed that was developed in Kenya specifically for meat production. These birds are fast-growing and have a high feed-conversion efficiency, which makes them a good choice for farmers who are looking to maximize meat production.
The Rainbow Rooster is another dual-purpose breed that is commonly used for meat and egg production. These birds have a colorful plumage and are hardy enough to survive in a range of climates. They are known for their high egg-laying ability and are able to produce good-quality meat.
The KARI Improved Chicken, developed by KALRO, is a breed that is specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions while producing good-quality meat. These birds have a low feed-conversion efficiency but are able to survive in areas with limited water and feed resources.
As a farmer, it is important to take advantage of the different kienyeji chicken breed’s characteristics to fit your purposes. For example, If you are keeping chickens for meat, a rainbow rooster gains faster weight than the improved KARI and kuroiler breeds. Here are some of the improved kienyeji breeds;
Here is a summarized table showing different kienyeji chicken breeds with their characteristics:
| Description | KARI kienyeji | Kuroiler | Kenbro | Rainbow rooster |
| Purpose | Eggs and meat | Eggs and meat | Eggs and meat | Eggs and meat |
| Maturity (months) | 5.5 | 5 | 4-5 | 5 |
| Average egg production (per month) | 15-20 | 18-20 | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| Average meat production | Cocks: 2.0-2.2kg | Cocks: 2.2-2.5 kg | Cocks: 2.2-2.5 | Cocks: 3.0 kg |
| Hens: 1.5-1.8 kg | Hens: 1.8-2.2 kg | Hens: 1.9-2.2 kg | Hens: 1.9- 2.2 kg | |
| Feeding | Normal | Medium | Heavy | Medium |
| Sitting characteristics | Multi-coloured ones are good sitters | Poor sitters | Does not sit | Does not sit |
| Decline in production (years) | Hens: 1.5 years | Hens: 1.5 years | Hens: 1.5 years | Hens: 1.5 years |
| Cocks: 1.3 years | Cocks: 1 year | Cocks: 1 year | Cocks: 1 year | |
| Disease resistance compared to each other | High | Low | Low | High |
Improved KARI indigenous chickens come in five different colours; spotted, white, black, brown and multi-coloured. They have the following characteristics;
| Colour | Visual Features | Sitting | Laying | Weight/ meat |
| Spotted | Good camouflage | Poor sitters. 25% will sit | Poor layer | Faster weight gain Highest quality meat with better muscle structure |
| White | With some black | White starts laying earlier.Good layers. More eggs. Larger eggs, so stronger chicks | Becomes heavier | |
| Black | With brown front | Moderate | ||
| Brown | ||||
| Multi-coloured | More indigenous | Better sitters. 75% birds sit | Moderate layers |
When starting on improved indigenous chicken business, consider the above characteristics and choose the breed that best suits your purpose. Ensure that you get your breeds from certified breeders for pure breeds. You can check at online virtual agrovet to order and delivery.