By: Prof. Ir. Yuny Erwanto, S.Pt., M.P., Ph.D., IPM*

More than just a matter of taste, native chicken (ayam kampung) today faces overlapping markets, price fluctuations, and dependence on imported breeding stock, all of which demand a more structured and sustainable development direction.

Amid the dominance of commercial broiler farming, native chicken is often viewed as a dark horse with significant potential due to its own distinct market segment. However, the reality in the field is far from simple. In various poultry industry discussions, the term “ayam kampung” almost always emerges and frequently triggers lengthy debates. The term sounds simple and familiar to the public, as if it represents a single type of chicken. In practice, however, the reality of native chicken is far more complex—ranging from genetic diversity, production performance, and cost structures to persistent market overlap.

This article is an excerpt from the Opinion column of Poultry Indonesia Magazine, December 2025 Edition. Read the full article in Poultry Indonesia Magazine – December 2025 Edition. For subscriptions or further information, please contact: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com.

Overlapping Markets

Based on the author’s observations, native chickens in Indonesia can be broadly classified into four major categories.

First, truly indigenous native chickens traditionally raised by rural communities on a small scale, using very simple breeding systems. Technically, this type has the lowest performance. With the same feed, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of indigenous native chickens is around 3.3, and can be even higher. The rearing period is relatively long, taking approximately 3.5–4 months to reach market weight.

From a cost perspective, DOC prices for indigenous native chickens are relatively high, averaging around IDR 10,000 per chick. The combination of high FCR, long production cycles, and non-uniform body weight makes this type economically unattractive. This condition is further exacerbated by changes in lifestyle, as not everyone is now comfortable with chickens roaming freely around their homes. As a result, their population continues to decline and they are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Second, improved native chickens or superior local breeds, such as KUB, Sentul, Gunsi, and other local strains developed by research institutions or private companies. Technically, these breeds perform much better. Their FCR ranges from 2.7–2.8, and under good management can approach 2.5. The rearing period is relatively shorter, around 70–75 days, with DOC prices at approximately IDR 8,800 per chick. From a production standpoint, these superior local chickens are actually very feasible. However, the main challenge lies not in farm-level technical issues, but in the market, where limited consumer purchasing power and understanding remain major constraints.

Third, ayam kampung super, also known as joper or jowo super. This type is the result of crossbreeding Bangkok roosters with commercial layer hens. Joper is often a rational choice for farmers due to its efficient performance. Its FCR ranges from 2.2–2.5, with a harvest age of around 60 days. DOC prices range between IDR 5,500–6,000 per chick. With a fast production cycle and relatively controlled risk, joper serves as a “bridge” between the characteristics of native chickens and the efficiency of commercial poultry.

Fourth, and in fact the most dominant in the market, is the male layer chicken. This is what is often referred to as “native chicken” in quotation marks. With the national layer population reaching approximately 300 million birds, the number of male chicks as by-products is enormous. The FCR of male layer chickens is comparable to joper, at around 2.2–2.4, with a rearing period of about 60 days. What truly differentiates them is the very low DOC price, which is only around IDR 1,500–2,500 per chick, merely one-third or even one-quarter of the DOC price of joper.

This is where the market dilemma arises. Because production costs are the lowest, male layer chickens can be sold at significantly cheaper prices. At the same time, indigenous native chickens and superior local breeds find it increasingly difficult to compete when placed in the same market. The core issue is that the native chicken market in Indonesia is highly overlapping (intersecting).

This article is an excerpt from the Opinion section of  Majalah Poultry Indonesia Edisi Januari 2026
Read the full article in Poultry Indonesia Magazine – December 2025 Edition.

For subscriptions or further information, please contact:WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 Email: sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com