Exploring Skull Shape Variation and Allometry Across Different Chicken Breeds

Abstract

This study investigates skull shape variation and allometry among three different chicken breeds: Broiler, Lohman Brown, and Leghorn. Geometric morphometric analysis was employed to analyze skull morphology, focusing on facial bones and the neurocranium. The study aims to understand how skull shape differs between these breeds and how it relates to size variation. Results show significant differences in skull morphology among the chicken breeds. Broiler chickens exhibit a distinct skull shape, characterized by a more rounded head and a higher neurocranium compared to the other breeds. In contrast, Lohman Brown and Leghorn chickens show similarities in skull shape, with a more elongated appearance. Broiler chickens were found to be the smallest among the breeds studied, with statistical analysis confirming their distinguishability based on centroid size. In contrast, Lohman Brown and Leghorn chickens exhibited similar sizes, with no significant difference between them. Allometric analysis reveals that skull shape changes with size, particularly in the neurocranium and facial bones. These findings suggest that evolutionary adaptations and breeding practices have influenced the skull morphology of these chicken breeds. Overall, this study provides insights into the skull shape variation and allometry of different chicken breeds, highlighting the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors in understanding morphological diversity in poultry.