Phenotypic Characterization and Farm Management of Indigenous Chicken Reared in Highland Region of Northern Thailand

Abstract

The aims of this study were to phenotypically characterize and to describe the production system of Thai indigenous chicken reared by hill tribe people living in the highland region of Phayao province, Northern Thailand. A survey using the random sampling method was carried out in 3 villages consisting of 2 different tribes, Hmong and Mien. Data were recorded of 320 chickens; 160 male and 160 female. Effects of supplemented indigenous microorganism on growth performance of crossbred Thai indigenous chickens were performed using 200 birds. The results showed that Thai indigenous chicken in highland region forms a very heterogeneous character; they exhibited wide variation in color, plumage, comb type, skin color, eye color, shank color, and beak color. The predominant plumage color of Thai native chicken in the region was black followed by red brownish, white and multicolor. The overall means indicated that about 73.5, 55.6, 65.8 and 61.4% of the chickens had pea comb types, black shank color, eye color, and black beak color, respectively. The mean of flock size was less than 10 chickens per household (63.3%). The production systems in the study region were classified into three system; free-ranges, semi free-ranges and semi-intensive. Only 13.3% of the farmers knew about proper vaccination programs, while 88.7% never vaccinated their chicken. Thai indigenous crossbreed chickens that were fed diets containing indigenous microorganisms had a significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight at week 1 and 6 compared to commercial probiotics. The major use of chicken by both Hmong and Mien people is not only for food but also for socio-cultural values. The study also identified that women were more involved in chicken management activities than men. Further research is needed, especially on breeding plans and management practices.