Creole Chickens Research Articles

Sweet potato flour (Ipomoea batatas) as natural antioxidant on carcass yield and meat physicochemical characteristics of Creole chickens of Mexico and Cobb 500.

Antioxidants are considered functional additives against oxidative stress since they avoid nutritional decline in the meat. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sweet potato flour (SPF) as a natural antioxidant on carcass yield and physicochemical characteristics of Creole chickens of Mexico (CChM) and Cobb 500 broilers. In total, 210 chickens (105 CChM and 105 Cobb 500 chickens) were randomly assigned to three treatments: 0, 500, and 1000mg of SPF kg-1 of feed. The Cobb 500 chickens showed higher carcass yield (hot and cold), breast, and breast fillet, whereas the CChM had higher thigh yield (P ≤ 0.05). The yield on the previously mentioned variables was not affected by the inclusion levels of SPF. The initial pH differed because of the effect of the chicken's genotype and the addition of SPF, which was higher on Cobb 500 chicken and on those that were not supplemented with SPF. The birds' skin that consumed SPF presented higher yellowness after 24h (P ≤ 0.05). CChM manifested a higher dry matter and protein content and a lower content of ash and fat (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, Cobb 500 chickens present a higher carcass yield and its components, in addition to a less acid pH; however, CChM offer a higher nutritional contribution, whereas the 500 and 1000mg addition of SPF increases the skin yellowness, which makes it an alterorganic as a pigment on broiler chicken production.

Growth Curve of Brazilian Creole Chickens (Canela-Preta Breed) Raised in Two Different Rearing Systems under Tropical Climate

Growth Curve of Brazilian Creole Chickens (Canela-Preta Breed) Raised in Two Different Rearing Systems under Tropical Climate

Description of factors decreasing egg incubation of creole hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Objective: To describe the factors that affect the incubation of fertile eggs of Creole hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) at Mezquital Valley, Hidalgo, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: 448 eggs of Creole hens were incubated in a Casser model 7622 incubator, in which the number of infertile and fertile eggs was evaluated; within the number of fertile eggs, the number of dead embryos was determined; due to dehydration or damage caused by fungi and bacteria. From the live hatched chickens, those that died due to omphalitis were recorded. Results: 272 of 448 incubated eggs were fertile; 119 of them hatched and 153 were dead embryos. While 176 were infertile. Among the dead embryos, 84 of dehydration, 69 due to fungal and bacterial infection and 11 live hatched chicks due to omphalitis. Limitations/implications: The literature review found little information on factors affecting the hatching of fertile Creole chicken eggs in backyard flocks. Findings/conclusions: Infection by fungi and bacteria increase embryonic mortality, while omphalitis increases mortality during the first days of life of the backyard Creole chickens. High storage temperature in the nest or incubator causes embryo dehydration.

Productive performance of Mexican Creole chickens from hatching to 12 weeks of age fed diets with different concentrations of metabolizable energy and crude protein

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the productive performance, carcass yield, size of digestive organs and nutrient utilization in Mexican Creole chickens, using four diets with different concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME, kcal/kg) and crude protein (CP, %).MethodsTwo hundred thirty-six chickens, coming from eight incubation batches, were randomly distributed to four experimental diets with the following ME/CP ratios: 3,000/20, 2,850/19, 2,700/18 and 2,550/17. Each diet was evaluated with 59 birds from hatching to 12 weeks of age. The variables feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion (FC), mortality, carcass yield, size of digestive organs, retention of nutrients, retention efficiency of gross energy (GE) and CP, and excretion of N were recorded. Data were analyzed as a randomized block design with repeated measures using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with covariance AR (1) and adjustment of degrees of freedom (Kendward-Roger), the adjusted means were compared with the least significant difference method at a significance level of 5%.ResultsThe productive performance variables BWG, mortality, carcass yield, fat and GE retention and excretion of N were not different (p>0.05) due to the diet effect. In the 3,000/20 diet, the chickens had lower values of FI, FC, crop weight, gizzard weight, retention, and retention efficiency of CP (p<0.05) than the chickens of the 2,550/17 diet.ConclusionThe Mexican Creole chickens from hatching to 12 weeks of age can be feed with a diet with 2,550 kcal ME and 17% CP, without compromising productive parameters (BWG, mortality, carcass yield) but improving retention and retention efficiency of CP.

Diversity and Genetic Relationship of Free-Range Chickens from the Northeast Region of Brazil.

Simple SummaryLocal animal breeds represent a national genetic heritage for every country. Creole free-range chickens have important cultural, historical, genetic, and economic roles in several countries. In Brazil, there is a lack of information regarding the genetic formation of local chicken breeds. These animals were brought to Brazil during colonization in the 16th century. Currently, Brazilian Creole chickens are highly adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the country and are mostly reared by smallholders. In this study, we used microsatellite markers to determine the genetic composition of three chicken breeds from the northeast region of Brazil. Our results confirm the existence of interbreed genetic diversity and high genetic variability within the Brazilian Creole chickens studied. Furthermore, our findings show that the formation of these genetic groups had contributions from different ancestors. Our results will be useful to support the development of conservation programs, as well as the sustainable use and official recognition of these breeds.In this study, we aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity within and among chicken breeds from the northeast region of Brazil (states of Bahia and Piauí) using microsatellite markers. In addition, we assessed the identity and genetic relationships of chickens from Europe, Africa, and South America, as well as their influence on the formation of the Brazilian breeds. A total of 25 microsatellite markers and a panel containing 886 samples from 20 breeds (including the Brazilian chickens) were used in this study. Different statistical parameters were used to estimate the genetic diversity and relationship among the genetic groups studied. Our study indicates that the Brazilian Creole chickens have high genetic variability. The results show that chickens reared in the states of Bahia and Piauí could have originated from different ancestors. The Brazilian breeds studied have an evolutionary relationship with chickens from Portugal, Nigeria, Chile, and Spain. Our results will contribute directly to the conservation and recognition of Brazilian Creole chicken breeds and provide a solid basis for the demonstration of their genetic identity and genetic conservation of American Creole chicken populations.

Determination of the propitious age for gonadectomy in Creole chickens

Determination of the propitious age for gonadectomy in Creole chickens

Determinación de la edad propicia para la gonadectomía en pollos criollos

The objective of the research was to improve the productive parameters in Creole chickens through gonadectomy in the Tungurahua Province, Ecuador. A completely randomized design with three treatments and a control was used, the results were subjected to an analysis of variance (ADEVA) for the separation of means and the Tukey test of 5%, the factors under study were: T1 (8), T2 (9) and T3 (10), castrated weeks of age, and uncastrated chickens (20 birds / treatment), with a productive period after castration of 12 weeks. Weight gain 12 weeks after castration was higher in chickens operated on at 8 weeks of age, (343.6 g bird / week, p <0.05). The lowest feed consumption was in week 3 post castration (p <0.05). Roosters castrated at 8 and 9 weeks had better feed con-version (6.33 and 6.53, respectively) (p <0.05). Carcass yield was higher in castrated roosters compared to the uncastrated control group (p <0.01). The mortality. It was better in T1 (8 weeks old) with 0%. For this reason, the application of the surgical technique performed at of age is the most recommended.

Crecimiento, características de carcasa, peso de órganos internos y composición proximal de carne de seis genotipos de pollos criados en la región Andina del norte peruano

This study examined the growth, carcass characteristics, weight of internal organs, meat quality and meat proximate composition in six genotypes of chickens reared in Andean region of northern Peruvian, with intensive system, using 600 chickens one-day-old, divided in to six equally sized groups. The comparison included two Creole chicken breeds from Peru, improved and pure, and four imported chicken strains (Hubbard Red, Hubbard White, Native French, and Babcock). The animals were fed without restriction and slaughtered 13 weeks of age. Chickens of the imported strains, especially Hubbard chickens were heavier at slaughter than creoles breeds. Proportions of cuts: thigh, drumstick and head were similar among genotypes, carcass yield, breast meat and abdominal fat were lowest in the Creole breed and Native French. There were no statistical differences (p &gt; 0.05) for meat pH, drip loss, and cooking loss in response to genotype. The breast meat of the two Creole breeds had lower contents of fat compared with that of the Hubbard strains.

Comparison of four nonlinear growth models in Creole chickens of Mexico

Animal growth is a complex and dynamic process that involves physiological and morphological changes from hatching to maturity. It is defined as the increase in body size per time unit. Mathematical functions, called growth models, have been used to explain growth patterns. The aim of this study was to compare the Gompertz-Laird, logistic, Richards, and Von Bertalanffy growth models to determine which best fits the data of the Creole chickens (CC). Three hundred forty-seven CC were individually weighed from hatching until 177 D of age. Birds were fed a starter diet (0–18 D of age; 19% crude protein (CP) and 3,000 kcal of ME/kg) and grower diet (19–177 D of age; 18% CP and 2,800 kcal of ME/kg). Data were analyzed using PROC NLIN to fit the nonlinear growth curve. The coefficient of determination (R2), Akaike information criteria (AIC), and Bayesian information criteria (BIC) were used to compare the goodness of fit of the models. The Von Bertalanffy (R2: 0.9382, 0.9415; AIC: 2,224.1, 2,424.8; BIC: 2,233.5, 2,434.3, for females and males, respectively) was the model that best explained growth of the birds. On the other hand, both the Gompertz-Laird and logistic models overestimated hatching BW and underestimated the final BW of CC. Females reached age of maximum growth faster than males. The asymptotic weight was higher in males (3,011 g) than in females (2,011 g). Body weight at inflection point was 892 g at 64 D of age for males and 596 g at 54 D for females. In conclusion, the best fit of the data was obtained with the Von Bertalanffy growth model; the information is intended to serve as the basis for utilizing CC.

Deciphering the Patterns of Genetic Admixture and Diversity in the Ecuadorian Creole Chicken.

Simple SummaryIn Ecuador, the production of Ecuadorian Creole chicken is of crucial importance in the economy and for the nutrition of families. These chickens represent a focal point in scientific research for three main reasons: (1) they are an unknown genetic resource derived from 500 years of environmental and human selection and represent an important reservoir of genetic variability and adaptability; (2) Ecuadorian Creole chicken production is normally familiar, in a marginal dimension, and it is an important source of economic input for medium–low income communities; and (3) being a local genetic resource, it is available to local communities without intermediary international enterprises and represents the starting point for food sovereignty. We aimed to measure the level of genetic diversity and its phylogenetic position compared with other outgroup breeds using information from microsatellite and mitochondrial markers. Our results showed that these chicken populations represent a great reservoir of genetic variability; however, the genetic fragmentation owing to the high geographical diversity of the country could compromise the conservation status and, therefore, the establishment of an official breeding program is needed for the conservation and valuation of these avian populations, with this genetic characterization being a first step.Latin American Creole chickens are generally not characterized; this is the case in Ecuador, where the lack of scientific information is contributing to their extinction. Here, we developed a characterization of the genetic resources of Ecuadorian chickens located in three continental agroecosystems (Pacific coastal, Andean, and Amazonian). Blood samples of 234 unrelated animals were collected in six provinces across Ecuador: Bolívar, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Guayas, Morona Santiago, and Tungurahua, in order to perform a genetic characterization and population structure assessment using the AVIANDIV project microsatellites panel (30 loci) and D-loop sequences of mitochondrial DNA and comparing with reference data from other breeds or genetic lines. The results indicate that Ecuadorian Creole chickens are the result of the admixture of different genetic groups that occurred during the last five centuries. While the influence of South Spanish breeds is demonstrated in the colonial age, genetic relationships with other breeds (Leghorn, Spanish fighter cock) cannot be discarded. The geographical configuration of the country and extreme climate variability have influenced the genetic isolation of groups constituting a homogeneous genetic status into the whole population. This is not only a source of genetic variation, but also a critical point because genetic drift produces a loss of genetic variants.

Looking at genetic structure and selection signatures of the Mexican chicken population using single nucleotide polymorphism markers

Genetic variation enables both adaptive evolutionary changes and artificial selection. Genetic makeup of populations is the result of a long-term process of selection and adaptation to specific environments and ecosystems. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic variability of México's chicken population to reveal any underlying population structure. A total of 213 chickens were sampled in different rural production units located in 25 states of México. Genotypes were obtained using the Affymetrix Axiom® 600K Chicken Genotyping Array. The Identity by Descent (IBD) and the principal components analysis (PCA) were performed by SVS software on pruned single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).ADMIXTURE analyses identified 3 ancestors and the proportion of the genetic contribution of each of them has been determined in each individual. The results of the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) analysis resulted consistent with those obtained by the PCA. All methods utilized in this study did not allow a classification of Mexican chicken in distinct clusters or groups. A total of 3,059 run of homozygosity (ROH) were identified and, being mainly short in length (<4 Mb), these regions are indicative of a low inbreeding level in the population. Finally, findings from the ROH analysis indicated the presence of natural selective pressure in the population of Mexican chicken.The study indicates that the Mexican chicken clearly appear to be a unique creole chicken population that was not subjected to a specific artificial selection. Results provide a genetic knowledge that can be used as a basis for the genetic management of a unique and very large creole population, especially in the view of using it in production of hybrids to increase the productivity and economic revenue of family farming agriculture, which is widely present in México.

Genomic variability in Mexican chicken population using copy number variants

BackgroundCopy number variations are genome polymorphism that influence phenotypic variation and are an important source of genetic variation in populations. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic variability in the Mexican Creole chicken population using CNVs.ResultsThe Hidden Markov Model of the PennCNV software detected a total of 1924 CNVs in the genome of the 256 samples processed with Axiom® Genome-Wide Chicken Genotyping Array (Affymetrix). The mapped CNVs comprised 1538 gains and 386 losses, resulting at population level in 1216 CNV regions (CNVRs), of which 959 gains, 226 losses and 31 complex (i.e. containing both losses and gains). The CNVRs covered a total of 47 Mb of the whole genome sequence length, corresponding to 5.12% of the chicken galGal4 autosome assembly.ConclusionsThis study allowed a deep insight into the structural variation in the genome of unselected Mexican chicken population, which up to now has not been genetically characterized. The genomic study disclosed that the population, even if presenting extreme morphological variation, cannot be organized in differentiated genetic subpopulations. Finally this study provides a chicken CNV map based on the 600 K SNP chip array jointly with a genome-wide gene copy number estimates in a native unselected for more than 500 years chicken population.

Caracterização genética e estrutura populacional de galinhas crioulas Canela-Preta

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar geneticamente e avaliar a estrutura populacional de galinhas crioulas Canela-Preta de três plantéis pertencentes aos municípios de Teresina, Oeiras e Queimada Nova, no Estado do Piauí. Utilizaram-se 12 marcadores microssatélites e amostras de DNA de 118 galinhas. Após a extração do DNA, os marcadores microssatélites foram amplificados por meio da técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Efetuaram-se análises estatísticas da estimativa de heterozigosidades observada e esperada, análise de variância molecular, análise de componentes principais, estatística F de Wright e análise de estrutura populacional com base em análise bayesiana. As análises de diferenciação genética (Amova) sugerem baixa diferenciação entre os núcleos avaliados, o que indica se tratar geneticamente de um único grupo. Os resultados da estatística F indicaram tendência de endogamia dos plantéis estudados. O gráfico de dispersão e análise bayesiana, usado para mostrar a estrutura das aves Canela-Preta, sugeriu a existência de quatro grupos genéticos e revela que há fluxo gênico entre os plantéis analisados. Os marcadores moleculares microssatélites avaliados apresentam-se polimórficos, o que mostra alta variação nas amostras e revela sua eficiência no estudo de caracterização. Os resultados são indicativos de que as galinhas Canela-Preta estão geneticamente estruturadas.

Growth of Creole Chickens Raised Under Tropical Conditions of Mexico

Growth of Creole Chickens Raised Under Tropical Conditions of Mexico

Productive performance of Creole chickens and their crosses raised under semi-intensive management conditions in Yucatan, Mexico

1. The productive performance of 4 chicken breed groups managed under semi-intensive conditions in Yucatan, Mexico was evaluated. Thirty-six mixed chickens, one week of age of each of the 4 breed groups (Creole, F1 Hubbard × Creole, 7/8 Hubbard × 1/8 Creole and Hubbard) were used. 2. During 1 to 3 weeks of age all birds were fed on a diet containing 210 g/kg crude protein (CP) and 12·95 MJ/kg metabolisable energy (ME). From weeks 4 to 7, they were given a diet with 190 g/kg CP and 12·55 MJ/kg ME. Food consumption and live body weight were recorded weekly. Statistical analysis of the data was performed according to complete randomised design and means comparison using Tukey test was carried out when necessary. 3. Creole chicks had the lightest weights at all ages as compared to their crosses and the Hubbard birds. At 7 weeks of age, Creole chicks were 2·11, 2·44 and 2·90 times lighter than their contemporary F1, 7/8 Hubbard × 1/8 Creole and Hubbard birds, respectively. Hubbard birds were heavier than F1 and 7/8 commercial × 1/8 Creole birds, and the latter group heavier than the F1 birds. Similarly, Creole chicks had the lowest growth rate compared to the other genetic groups. Heterosis for body weight up to 7 weeks of age was 8·2%. 4. Feed consumption was also lower for the Creole chicks at all ages. Food:gain ratio, however, was higher for the Creole chicks at all ages. Food:gain ratios from weeks 2 to 7 were 2·18, 2·65, 3·04 and 4·36 for the Hubbard, 7/8 Hubbard × 1/8 Creole, F1 and Creole birds, respectively. Heterosis for food:gain ratio from 2 to 7 weeks of age was −7·0%. 5. Crossbreeding of Mexican Creole birds with commercial type broilers might improve productive performance.