Production potentials of native chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) of Western Visayas, Philippines

Abstract

Poultry genetic resources diversity serves as a reservoir of genes adaptable to local conditions, production, resource utilization, and production that are compatible with consumer preferences for meat and egg products. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the production potentials of native chickens in Western Visayas, Philippines. A total of 270 raisers were interviewed and 810 chickens were characterized. These numbers were divided equally among the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. The data collected were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and significant differences were determined using the Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Results show that native chickens from Aklan had the highest (P < 0.01) hatching percentage (93.10 ± 1.67 %) and oldest (P < 0.01) slaughter/marketing age (23.56 ± 1.03 weeks). Those from Guimaras had the biggest (P < 0.01) egg (42.69 ± 0.87 g) and heaviest slaughter/marketing weight (920.00 ± 22.72 to 924.44 ± 23.01 g); the shortest (P < 0.01) clutch interval (77.87 ± 4.14 days) was observed from those in Iloilo. Those from Antique had the highest (P < 0.01) survival rate from 1 day old to a slaughter/marketing age of 52.48 ± 1.83 %. The adult live weight ranged from 1.27 ± 0.04 to 1.62 ± 0.04 kg with those from Aklan as the lowest (P < 0.01) while those from Guimaras were the highest. Thus, the observed variations in reproductive and growth performances of native chickens from this region expressed their potentials for genetic improvement toward production.

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of six Chinese indigenous chickens

“…Identifying the genetic changes underlying these developments provides new insight into the general mechanisms by which genetic variation shapes phenotypic diversity [1]. In the future, the genetic diversity of indigenous chickens will be needed to meet production demands in different environments, thereby achieving sustained genetic improvement and promoting rapid adaptation to changing breeding objectives [2,3]. The extensive breeding of commercial chickens has had an impact on resources of indigenous chicken breeds, especially indigenous chickens in the coastal areas of Southeast China, which are on the verge of extinction or even extinct, while the indigenous chickens in the inland northwestern region are only slightly affected but still face certain risks.…”

Studying Genetic Diversity and Relationships between Mountainous Meihua Chickens Using Mitochondrial DNA Control Region

“…Studies have shown that commercial breeds have relatively low genetic diversity, as only a few sires produce many offspring [38]. Native chicken breeds, however, become good genetic resources for future breeding needs in order to create better varieties for commercial use due to their high level of genetic variation [39,40]. The ability of species to adapt to harsh environments and resist catching diseases can be improved by the genetic diversity within them [35].…”