In Malawi, indigenous chickens are commonly kept by smallholder farmers and are raised under free range management system. However, no studies have looked at chemical composition of indigenous chicken meat. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine chemical composition of Malawian normal feathered indigenous chickens. The study was conducted at student's farm, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). 71, 6 weeks, old normal feathered indigenous chickens were

more »

... sed and split into free range and intensive management systems. The chickens on free-range were supplemented with maize bran while those on intensive management system were given balanced ration (17(%) CP) throughout the experimental trial period. At 20, 24 and 28 weeks of age, 6 chickens (3cocks and 3 hens) were randomly selected for slaughter to determine the chemical composition based on AOAC methods. The mean ash (%) (4.195±0.099) of the birds on free-range was significantly higher than those intensively managed (3.699±0.099) (p<0.05). The mean ash (%) (1.400±0.42) of birds on free-range was significantly higher that mean ash (%) (1.253±0.42) of birds intensively managed. Protein fat and moisture content were not affected by management system. Age affected the protein (%) and Fat (%). Chickens at 28 weeks had significantly high protein (%) (21.958) than at 20 weeks (20.045) (p<0.05). Fat (%) at 24 and 28 weeks was significantly higher than at 20 weeks. Sex did not affect the proximate chemical composition of the chicken meat. It is concluded that the best age to slaughter chickens is 24 weeks for optimal protein (%) and relatively less fat.