Phenotypic characterization of native chicken populations reared underfamily-based free-range scavenging system in Odisha, India

Abstract

The genetic architecture of 10 rural poultry populations in two distant tribal districts of Mayurbhanj and Kalahandi of Odisha state in India were studied for 15 quantitative and 11 qualitative characteristics through a field survey. Analysis of dispersion was conducted to test the simultaneous significance of mean differences in above characteristics and was found to be highly significant (p is less than 0.01). Cluster-I (Khairi and Kabri), cluster-II (Hansli, Gujuri, Dumasil, Dhabla, Kalua and Khadia), cluster-III (Jhinjiria), and cluster-IV included Chitri populations. The maximum D2 value was found between Hansli and Kabri (513.825) followed by Gujuri and Kabri (410.312) while minimum D2 value was observed between Khairi and Kabri (1.50). The average inter cluster distance was high between cluster-I and cluster-II (17.218) and also between cluster-II and IV (17.207). The genetic variation can be confirmed using biochemical and DNA markers which will help to obtain phenotypically pure local fowl genetic resources for future selection and breeding.