Characterization of two Indian native chicken breeds for production, egg and semen quality, and welfare traits

Abstract

The present study was conducted to characterize 2 important native chicken breeds from India and compare them on growth, production, egg and semen quality, and welfare traits. The Aseel breed showed (P < 0.001) higher BW at different ages; higher shank, radius, and toe lengths at 40 wk of age; and greater egg weights at 28, 32, and 40 wk of age than did the Kadaknath breed. The Kadaknath breed reached sexual maturity at an early age, and it had higher 40-wk egg production (P < 0.001). Higher egg specific gravity (P < 0.05) and higher albumen (P < 0.001) and shell (P < 0.009) percentages in the Kadaknath were observed, whereas the Aseel breed had a higher yolk index (P < 0.004), higher yolk percentage (P < 0.001), and higher yolk-to-albumen ratio (P < 0.001). Concentration of sperm (P < 0.01), live sperm counts (P < 0.05), and semen appearance scores (P < 0.05) were higher in the Aseel breed than in the Kadaknath breed. The Aseel breed showed a greater incidence of feather-pecking behavior under floor rearing, and this was negligible or mild in the Kadaknath breed. Broodiness under cage rearing was observed (8.42%) in the Aseel breed. With regard to welfare traits, male Aseel birds had a significantly shorter (P < 0.05) duration of tonic immobility (TI) than did male Kadaknath birds. Furthermore, male Aseel birds had a shorter (P < 0.001) duration of TI than did female Aseel birds, whereas female Aseel birds had a longer (P < 0.05) duration of TI than did female and male Kadaknath birds. From this study, it was concluded that the breeds differed on various growth, production, egg and semen quality, and behavioral traits, but not on welfare traits, although female Aseel birds exhibited a greater fear response.

Comparison of Production Performance and Egg Quality Characteristics of Five Strains of Korean Native Chickens

“…In contrast, Anderson et al (2004) reported a significant strain effect on egg shape index which studied with historic strains of single comb white Leghorn chickens. However, our results were supported by Haunshi et al (2011) which observed non-significant differences in the shape index within the native chicken breeds.…”

Evaluation of egg quality traits of endangered Nicobari fowl and its crosses under intensive and backyard system of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

“…Effect of genotype on egg quality parameters were reported by various previous workers [5][6][7][8][9]. In general, the egg weight of indigenous birds was found to be low as compared to exotic layers or broilers; however, we observed higher egg weight of Nicobari crosses than the exotic varieties/strains in this study.…”

Comparative Assessment on Performance of Aseel and Kadaknath in Hot and Humid Conditions in Tropics

“…India is home to more than 20 breeds (Panda and Praharaj 2002). Among them Aseel and Kadaknath are becoming progressively more popular as pure and out-crossed lines for their benefits in production traits and resistance to disease (Arora et al, 2011;Haunshi et al, 2011). Aseel breed have its origin in Andhra Pradesh.…”

“…In all the three varieties of Kadaknath breed most of the internal organs exhibit intense black colouration which is due to the deposition of melanin pigment in the connective tissue of organs and in the dermis (Rao and Thomas, 1984). Although the Kadaknath has many unique characteristics, they are being neglected because of its poor production potential Haunshi et al, (2011). Even though indigenous or native stock show a poor performance relative to highly selected commercial lines, they have the ability to survive in challenging environments (Crawford and Christman, 1992).…”