Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Free Range Chickens in Kalomo, Zambia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Kalomo district of Zambia to phenotypically characterize indigenous chickens in the area in order to initiate the base for strategic improvement of the indigenous chickens. In this study, 476 chickens (245 males and 231 females) were used. The phenotypes were recorded through observation by the researcher while quantitative traits were measured using the tailor's measuring tape as guided by the FAO guide. Out of 476 birds, 85.29% had normal feathers. The most common shank color was gray-blue (29.41%) with the single comb type being the most dominant (91.18%). The red-white earlobe color was predominant (44.12%). Brown eyed chickens were the most common (52.93%). Body weight was taken using a digital scale. There was a significant difference (P˂0.05) in body weight between males and females, males being heavier than the females (2331±587grams and 1586±245grams, respectively). The overall average body weight was 1969±589grams. There was significant (P˂0.05) positive correlation between all linear body measurements with body weight. Two principal components PC1 (54.50%) and PC2 (11.28%) were extracted which both cumulatively accounted for 65.78% of the total variability. The first principal component accounted for 54.50% of variance and had high significant loadings on all body measurements except for shank circumference. We, therefore, theorize that PC1 can be exploited as selection standards for body weight improvement in Zambian indigenous chickens. The many variations found in this study indicated the huge potential that indigenous chickens have for improvements through selection and good breeding strategies.

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

“…For the purpose of characterization, this study followed the recommendation of Liswaniso et al (2023) and selected only birds that were above 5 months of age. The chickens were raised in a traditional extensive management system, with access to scavenging for their nutritional requirements and basic housing.…”

“…The parameters were body length (BL), keel length (KL), thigh length (TL), shank length (SL) shank circumference (SC), chest circumference (CC) and corpus length (CL). The above-mentioned parameters were recorded according to the formula as suggested by (Liswaniso et al, 2023). The data was collected using a computer and stored in MS Excel 2013.…”

“…The chicken has less growth rate and low egg production is known as indigenous chicken (Kindji and Tamiru, 2021). However, these chicken breeds are highly disease resistance and can grow under harsh environment and poor nutritional conditions with higher temperature as compared with broiler and other commercial breeds (Liswaniso et al, 2023). However, commercial level poultry industry has been extended with rapid during recent years with highly egg and meat producing birds have been introduced for boosting the egg and meat production, but still backyards poultry playing a major role for egg production in various countries of the world Laenoi et al, 2015;Mtilani et al, 2012).…”