Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Chicken Ecotypes in Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Andualem Yihun,Manzoor Ahmed Kirmani,Meseret Molla

doi:10.11648/j.eeb.20200504.13

Abstract

The study was conducted in three districts of Awi zone in Amhara region, with the aim to characterize and identify the phenotypic variation of indigenous chicken ecotypes. A total of 720 indigenous chicken ecotypes were (504) females and (216) males from the whole districts) to describe qualitative and quantitative traits. Local chicken were mostly normally feathered and large phenotypic variability among ecotypes was observed for plumage color. A many plumage colors were identified in all districts in which Red in high-land and mid-land and Gebsima (grayish) colours in low-land were the predominant color of the study area beside a large diversity. The average body weight of local chickens in high-land, mid-land and low-land agro-ecologies were 1.476, 1.75 and 1.71kg respectively, while the respective values for mature cocks and hens were 1.78 and 1.51kg. Variations were also observed in shank length, chest circumference, body length, neck length, wingspan, wing length, comb width, comb length and shank circumference. In conclusion, there is diversity of indigenous chicken population and farmers’ preference of different traits that may invite to design community based genetic improvement. These were recommended in poultry breeding policy which focused on managemental system, selection, and trait preference should be designed.

Highlights

Poultry is the largest livestock group in the world estimated to be about 23.39 billion, consisting mainly; chickens, ducks and turkeys [1]
The results on phenotypic characterization of local chicken in the study areas were presented in Table 2 and figure 2 The phenotypic characterization was studied in terms of feather distribution, plumage colour, beak colour, eye colour, comb shape, comb colour, head shape, earlobe colour, shank colour and shank feather
The results showed that orange eye colour was more numerous in females in the three agro-ecologies (28.3, 32.5, 29.2% in Highland, Midland and Lowland agro-ecologies, respectively); whereas in males red eye colour was more numerous in Highland (13.8%) and Lowland (16.3%) agroecologies

Summary

Introduction

Poultry is the largest livestock group in the world estimated to be about 23.39 billion, consisting mainly; chickens, ducks and turkeys [1]. Ethiopia is believed to have the largest livestock population. Phenotypic characterization of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) generally refers to the process of identifying distinct breed populations and describing their external and production characteristics within a given production environment [3]. Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) populations as units of phenotypic reference and measurement. Characterization is the initial step for long-term genetic improvement as it provides the basis for any other livestock development interventions and provides information for designing appropriate breeding programs [4]. Characterization can identify breeds and/or populations which are at risk of extinction or which are highly desired by farmers, and is an important input into nation’s chicken development planning [5]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion