Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Backyard Poultry Birds in Tando Allahayar, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was carried out in Tando Allahyar district of Sindh, Pakistan to observe the phenotypic characterization of indigenous backyard poultry birds in Tando Allahyar. For this purpose, total 470 birds with 240 male and 230 females were brought under the study. Their phenotypic characteristics were collected thorough observing by the researchers from different UCs of district Tando Allahyar. The data regarding quantitative traits were observed using the measuring tap mentioned in the (FAO) manual. The findings of our study 86.69% out of the 470 birds recorded with normal feather pattern. The common color of shank was found 27.71% white with 89.11% pea comb. The result for body weight revealed that significantly higher body weight was recorded in male birds as compared with female 2425±27 and 1482±11, respectively. The result for overall average body weight was revealed in our study 20.37±25.76 gram. In our study strong positive and significant correlation was observed among the average body weight and linear body measurement of poultry birds. We have used two principal components in our study with (PCI-55.21% and 12.13% that revealed total variability the together 67.11%. In this study 1 st component was recorded 57.32% of variance showed highly significant loading to overall body measurements excluding shank circumferences result. It is concluded that PCI is a useful selection standard for improving the body weight of indigenous backyard poultry birds. In this study many variations observed showed that huge potential of birds have for improvement by selection and better breeding strategies.