Abstract
The study was accomplished to identify the characteristics of village chickens’ (VCs) genetic resources in the Abu-Dhabi Emirate of United Arab Emirate (UAE) and to study factors affecting these characteristics. Each bird was individually observed, identified, measured and characterized of thirteen VCs pure breeds and crossbreds. The overall VCs had normal feather morphology (95.1%) and distribution (77%). Except for Fayomi chickens which were 100% mottled, no specific plumage pattern was found. Almost 52% of the VCs had white skins. Six different colors were reported for the shanks and maximized for white shanks (34.3%). Large breasts (46%) were more available. The predominant plumage color was mixed colors (37.5%). Face size tended to be small (42.8%) to medium (40.4%). More brown (48.9%) then orange (27.3%) eyes were found. Dark (49.7%) beaks were more available than white (28.6%) or yellow (21.7%) beaks. The distribution of wattle colors was similar to that of ear-lob colors with some variation. Small wattles (41.9%) were most available. Single comb (82.4%) is the most available; 11 other types and one with no comb were represented with low frequencies. In the whole sample, red and white combs (56.7%) were the most available; however, plain red (23.8%) and red and black (15.5%) were represented. Results of factors influence showed that body weight was high significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by the interaction between both breed and region and breed and sex. Significant (P < 0.01) influence of interaction was observed between breed and location on body length, wing span and shank length. The interaction between breed and sex only significantly (P < 0.01) influenced shank length. Though, all main effects of breed, sex and region significantly (P < 0.01) influenced continuous measures. Most morphological characteristics were significantly (P < 0.01) different among breeds. This study reported the morphological characteristics of the different VCs breeds kept in Abu-Dhabi Emirate, which considered the scientific base for future implementing of conservation and/or genetic improvement programs.
Highlights
Village chickens (VCs) are those kept under traditional raising system and used for multiple purposes with variable morphological characteristics [1] [2] [3]
This study reported the morphological characteristics of the different village chickens’ (VCs) breeds kept in Abu-Dhabi Emirate, which considered the scientific base for future implementing of conservation and/or genetic improvement programs
The United Arab Emirate (UAE) is an open country for animal genetic resources exchange throughout no restriction for people of Emirates to import animals and birds breeds from all over the world
Summary
Village chickens (VCs) are those kept under traditional raising system and used for multiple purposes with variable morphological characteristics [1] [2] [3]. In many regions of the world, VCs are kept for several goals which include local consumption, extra income, pest control and manure production [4] [5] [6] [7]. They are more adaptive to their climatic harsh conditions, resistant to local diseases and classified by small size and low egg production [8] [9]. VCs are gene reservoirs for genetic future studies, improvement and conservation [3] [6]
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