Abstract
BackgroundFree-range local chickens (FRLC) farming is an important activity in Tanzania, however, they have not been well-characterized. This study aimed to phenotypically characterize three Tanzanian FRLCs and to determine their population structure. A total of 389 mature breeder chickens (324 females and 65 males) from three popular Tanzanian FRLC ecotypes (Kuchi, Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe) were used for the phenotypic characterization. Progenies of these chickens were utilized to assess population structure. The ecotypes were collected from four geographical zones across Tanzania: Lake, Central, Northern and Coastal zones. Body weights and linear measurements were obtained from the mature breeders, including body, neck, shanks, wingspan, chest girth, and shank girth. Descriptive statistics were utilized to characterize the chickens. Correlations between the linear measurements and differences among the means of measured linear traits between ecotypes and between sexes were assessed. A total of 1399 progeny chicks were genotyped using a chicken 600 K high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel for determination of population structure.ResultsThe means for most traits were significantly higher in Kuchi relative to Ching’wekwe and Morogoro-medium. However, shank length and shank girth were similar between Kuchi and Morogoro-medium females. All traits were correlated with the exception of shank girth in Morogoro-medium. Admixture analyses revealed that Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe clustered together as one population, separate from Kuchi.ConclusionsPhenotypic traits could be used to characterize FRLCs, however, there were variations in traits among individuals within ecotypes; therefore, complementary genomic methods should be considered to improve the characterization for selective breeding.
Highlights
Free-range local chickens (FRLC) farming is an important activity in Tanzania, they have not been well-characterized
The Kuchi ecotype had higher mean values for body length (BL), neck length (NL), and body weights (BW) measurements compared to Ching’wekwe and Morogoro-medium ecotypes, and measurements for these traits were significantly higher in male chickens
Significant differences in Least square means (LSmeans) for the BL, NL and BW were detected across the ecotypes with the highest LSmeans in Kuchi, followed by Morogoromedium and Ching’wekwe
Summary
Free-range local chickens (FRLC) farming is an important activity in Tanzania, they have not been well-characterized. A total of 389 mature breeder chickens (324 females and 65 males) from three popular Tanzanian FRLC ecotypes (Kuchi, Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe) were used for the phenotypic characterization. Progenies of these chickens were utilized to assess population structure. Poultry plays an important role in the livelihoods [1] of communities in Africa It is among the most prevalent livestock produced in Tanzania, and chickens account for approximately 94% of poultry raised by farmers [2]. The FLRCs are relatively adapted to and resilient to stressful conditions, including harsh weather and disease [5,6,7,8] They can be produced with minimal resources, such as shelter, feed, and veterinary services. Most of these ecotypes have not been well-characterized and their production potential is poorly understood
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