In Search for Superior Native Chicken
Farmers cross meat class breeds with native chicken to improve the native chicken’s size. Some cross the native with egg class breeds to improve laying performance. Others try crossing the native with some general purpose breeds in efforts to improve both size and laying performance. These different strategies, lead to progress in certain aspects, but result in the watering down of the positive characteristics of the native chicken.
For example crossing with meat class breeds results in bigger chickens, but with less- tasty, poorer-quality meat. Upgrading using egg class breeds increases egg production but also results in birds less sturdy against local diseases.
The RBS Habagat has the following advantages (These figures were taken at the point when Farmer Experience Prototypes were ready. They could vary depending on the farmer’s individual progress or new methods applied):
Egg laying:
Habagat hens can lay about 80-120 eggs a year as against about 40-80 by the native chicken.
Meat production:
It will take 4-6 months for ordinary native chicken to reach a live weight of 1 kilogram depending on the strain, gender and raising methods. Thus, posing a problem because for better meat quality the ideal slaughter age for native chicken is at 3-5 months old, the age when, as researches show, the concentration of free amino acids are heavy, the meat tender and juicy. However, at this age the Philippine native chicken is still very small. The Habagat can reach broiler weight (.800-1 kilo) at 3 months old or less; fryer weight (1-2 kls) at 4-5 months old; and roaster weight (2kls up) at 5-6 months old. Thus, hitting the ideal age and weight for slaughter at the same time, all the time. Yes because size and age at slaughter should always go hand in hand. And, you can only go so much as far as size is concerned without sacrificing meat quality. The adult ordinary native rooster would weigh from 1.500 to 1.800 kls. The adult Habagat rooster may weigh from 2.200 to 3 kilos, most, though are between 2.200 to 2.400. The Habagats are also designed as fighting roosters so most, while bigger than average fighters, must still be within the 2.400 kilogram- maximum weight limit imposed by most derbies.
Suitability for fighting:
While ordinary indigenous chicken can also be ultilized for cockfighting, its capability is only good for the small tupadas and hack fights it is no match against the American Game which is the most popular fighting breed in the Philippines. On the other hand, the Habagat is designed to compete against the American Game in derbies.
Looks
Like ordinary native chicken, the Habagat may come in a variety of plumage and leg colors, and comb types. But this will not be for long. In a few generations the Habagat will breed true to certain standards. (As of updating of this article Habagat are black/brown red, straight comb, and dark legged.) Except that the Habagat is bigger and taller, there is not much difference in looks between the Habagat and the ordinary native. The Habagat has the native chicken’s characteristic big ears, big face and big head. The Habagat though has better feathering, superior body conformation, proportion and balance, a must for it to be combat capable. Habagat is game too, very much gamer than the ordinary native. And can cut well.
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