Indigenous Fowl Research Articles

DNA barcoding of indigenous fowl of Manipur, Kaunayen (Gallus gallus domesticus)

The jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) is a tropical bird with important hereditary and phenotypical traits like disease resistance and resistance to harsh conditions and can often survive with scanty diet. However, as commercial chicken breeds replace them, their population is dwindling, which poses a significant threat to fowl genetic resources. There is minimal information on the variety of Indian poultry, mainly native chicken from Northeast India. As a result, the record of the fowl’s genetic diversity is essential for its preservation and formulation of conservation strategies. The current study sought to identify indigenous chicken, Kaunayen (Gallus gallus domesticus), from Manipur using barcoding based on DNA sequences. A total of 5 CO1 DNA barcodes from several indigenous chickens were sequenced and compared to the previous data of diverse taxa of Phasianidae using the conventional methodology and were recognized as Gallus gallus. The Phasianid birds that were researched were accurately classified into their appropriate species. There is a minuscule genomic difference between G. gallus and G. varius (1.2%) and the highest between Arborophila rufipectus and Tympanuchus pallidicinctus (22.5%). The phylogenetic relationship established on the NJ tree revealed a coherent gathering of indigenous fowl with G. gallus and unique to all other species studied, showing their taxonomic classification. Nonetheless, the investigation offered a genetic identity tag for indigenous chicken for the first time. It will be a potential guide for identifying distinctive and genetically unique poultry sequences for later requirements.

Incidence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Gallus gallus domesticus (Indigenous fowl) in a hot-humid tropical environment

A survey was carried out to evaluate the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in indigenous(desi) fowl in southern India's hot, humid tropical region of Puducherry. A total of sixty gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) desi fowl were collected from different retail chicken shops. The GIT was cut open and screened for the presence of any parasites. The faecal sample was collected and examined by direct microscopy, floatation, and sedimentation technique for the presence of parasitic ova, oocysts, etc. The overall incidence of GI parasites in desi fowl was 76.66%. The parasites commonly encountered were Ascaridia spp. (20%), Capillaria spp. (11.66%), Strongyloides spp. (1.66%) in nematodes (33.33%), Raillietina spp. (10%) in cestodes (10%), Eimeria spp. (33.33%) in protozoa, and mixed infection of 16.66%. Thus, results indicated a high prevalence of GI parasites in desi fowl, emphasizing the need to develop a strategic control programme and improve management practices of backyard poultry.

SELECTION OF THE NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS FOWL FOR 12-WEEK BODY WEIGHT

A FOUNDATION stock of 1171 male and 1210 female indigenous fowl supplied a breeding population which increased from 858 — 1627 over a period of seven generations (about 71 years) During the first three generations 30-38 % of males and females and subsequently about 2.4 — 2.7% males and 25 % females were selected positively for 12 weeks body weight. A non-selected flock mated population of 455 — 615 females and 53 — 70 males per generation provided basis for determining the response to selection. This amounted to 40.1 ± 0.37g, 36.9 ± 0.37g and 39.4 ± 0.37g per generation for male, female and the sexes combined respectively. The realised heritability estimates 0.27 ± 0 03 — 0.28 ± 0.03 appeared close to values obtained by within generation hierachial classification and suggested, no sex-linked effects for the selected trait in this population. The relatively low ultimate male and female mean weights, 760.0 ± 63.1g and 673.5 1 ± 79.0g respectively combined with the marked reduction in the variation of body weight that occurred as selection progressed indicate that the Nigerian indigenous fowl is not a potential broiler strain.

Ultrastructural Morphology of Erythrocytes, Reticulocytes and Mononuclear Cells of Indigenous Fowl (Gallus domesticus)

Ultrastructural Morphology of Erythrocytes, Reticulocytes and Mononuclear Cells of Indigenous Fowl (Gallus domesticus)

Comparison of Rajasri birds with indigenous birds in performance and haemo biochemical parameters under scavenging system during summer season

Performance and haemo-biochemical parameters of Rajasri and Indigenous birds of northern region of Telangana state were studied under scavenging system of rearing. The overall mean body weight was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Rajasri birds than indigenous birds from 6th to 52nd weeks of age. The mean age at sexual maturity was recorded as 172 days in case of Rajasri birds and in indigenous chicken it was recorded as 219 days. The mean egg production and egg weights of Rajasri bird from 32 to 52 weeks of age were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than indigenous birds. There was significantly (P<0.05) higher fertility and hatchability percent noticed in indigenous fowl compared to Rajasri birds. There was no significant difference noticed in total protein, SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin, calcium, phosphorus and blood glucose however there was significant difference in Haemoglobin, PCV, MCH, MCHC and serum cholesterol at 21st week of age.

Incidence of ectoparasites in indigenous fowls in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Incidence of ectoparasites in indigenous fowls in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Type B triorchidism in an adult indigenous fowl (<em>Gallus gallus domesticus</em>) in Sokoto, Nigeria- Case report

This paper presents a possible first case of triorchidism in an indigenous fowl in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria. Triorchidism is an exceptionally rare congenital abnormality which has been observed in other wild birds which could be ascribed to faulty embryological development with developmental cause that are distinct from testicular asymmetry. During a comparative investigation of the reproductive tract of cock ( gallus gallus domesticus ) drake ( Anas platyrynchos ) and guinea fowl ( numida meleagris ) in Sokoto and her environs, three testes were observed in a cock following abdominal laparatomy. The third testis which was smaller when compared with the right and left testes was attached to the proximal end of the right testes with which it shared the same epididymis. The right, left and third testes weighed 7.40, 7.20 and 2.10gm respectively while the length of the right, left and third testes were 3.60, 3.40 and 1.40cm respectively. When the three testes were cut open, similar whitish fluid oozed out. The causes and implications of this anomaly are suggested.

Early evidence for chickens at Iron Age Kirikongo (c. AD 100–1450), Burkina Faso

An excavated sequence from Burkina Faso shows that the Asian jungle fowlGallus gallus, also known as the chicken, had made its way into West Africa by the mid first millennium AD. Using high precision recovery from a well-stratified site, the author shows how the increasing use of chickens could be chronicled and distinguished from indigenous fowl by both bones and eggshell. Their arrival was highly significant, bringing much more than an additional source of food: it put a sacrificial creature, essential for numerous social and economic transactions, in reach of everyone.

Prevalence of Helminth Parasites in Indigenous Fowls of Zoba Anseba of Eritrea, North-East Africa

The prevalence of helminth parasites in indigenous fowls was investigated in Zoba Anseba, Eritrea. The rate of infection was as high as 52.43% in rectal swab examination and 63.00% in the slaughtered fowls. The helminth parasites recorded were: Ascaridia galli (70.58%), Subulura sp. (5.88%), Heterakis sp. (52.94%), Tetrameres sp. (11.76%), Cheilospirura sp. (5.88%), Raillietina sp. (82.35%) and Amoebotaenia sp. (11.76%). The infection rate between nematodes and cestodes was 92.59% and 59.25%, respectively. Mixed infection with two to three species was common. Cloacal swabs of 82 fowls collected were found positive with different types of ova. Out of which 22 were positive for Ascaridia (51.16%), 14 for Heterakis sp. (32.55%), 6 for Tetrameres sp. (13.95%) and 30 were positive for Raillietina sp. (69.76%).

Efficient system for preservation and regeneration of genetic resources in chicken: concurrent storage of primordial germ cells and live animals from early embryos of a rare indigenous fowl (Gifujidori)

The unique accessibility of chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) during early development provides the opportunity to combine the reproduction of live animals with genetic conservation. Male and female Gifujidori fowl (GJ) PGCs were collected from the blood of early embryos, and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for >6 months until transfer. Manipulated GJ embryos were cultured until hatching; fertility tests indicated that they had normal reproductive abilities. Embryos from two lines of White Leghorn (24HS, ST) were used as recipients for chimera production following blood removal. The concentration of PGCs in the early embryonic blood of 24HS was significantly higher than in ST (P < 0.05). Frozen-thawed GJ PGCs were microinjected into the bloodstream of same-sex recipients. Offspring originating from GJ PGCs in ST recipients were obtained with a higher efficiency than those originating from GJ PGCs in 24HS recipients (23.3% v. 3.1%). Additionally, GJ progeny were successfully regenerated by crossing germline chimeras of the ST group. In conclusion, the cryogenic preservation of PGCs from early chicken embryos was combined with the conservation of live animals.

Prevalence and the Associated Lesions of Cheilospirura (Acuaria) hamulosa in the Indigenous Chicken of Kashmir Valley, India

The present investigation reports the results from a 2-yr study conducted on the prevalence and associated lesions of the nematode Cheilospirura (Acuaria) hamulosa (Nematoda, Acuarioidea) in a sample size of 478 indigenous fowl collected from different localities of Kashmir Valley, India. The investigation revealed the annual prevalence for the nematode for the first and second yr of study to be 3.4% (8/233) and 3.7% (9/245), respectively, with an overall prevalence of 3.5% (17/478). Parasitized birds did not present with clinical signs. Despite the low parasite burdens, the lesions induced by C. hamulosa were severe. Histological examination of the infected gizzard revealed discrete and coalescing nodular and cystic lesions in the mucosa and musculature which contained sections of the parasite. Cellular reaction in the lesions was characterized by a large number of lymphocytes, monocytes, plasma cells, heterophils, and, in some of the sections, severe eosinophilic reaction. The mucosa and submucosa showed markedly thickened and diffuse mononuclear infiltration as well as reactive lymphoid nodules.

71 COMPARISON OF CRYOPROTECTANTS ON CRYOPRESERVATION OF VENDA COCK SPERMATOZOA

Improving the cryopreservation technique for indigenous fowl semen may contribute to the development of cryogene banks in South Africa. The goal was to identify a cryoprotectant among dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), and propanediol (PND) that is compatible with survival after freezing of Venda cock spermatozoa. Six Venda cocks were used for semen collection. The abdominal massaging technique was applied for semen collection from cocks. Individual ejaculates were diluted with modified Kobidil+ (mK+) extender (extender A) at ratio of 1:2 (v/v) before freezing, and equilibrated for 2 h. Semen was diluted again at a ratio of 1:1 (v/v) with mK+ plus 8% DMSO, EG, and PND (extender B) and equilibrated for 2 h at 5°C. Semen were then transferred into 0.25-mL plastic straws and placed into a programmable freezer (Planer Kryosave). The temperature of the chamber was decreased in a stepwise manner, from 5°C at a rate of 1°C min–1 until it reached the target temperature of –20°C. Finally, the straws were exposed to liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor and plunged into LN2 (–196°C). The semen straws were stored in an LN2 tank at –196°C. After 1 week, frozen semen straws were thawed at 5°C for evaluation of spermatozoa survivability and motility rate at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min, using contrast microscopy (20× magnification). Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Spermatozoa live and motility rates were greater before freezing (Table 1) in all groups. There was no significance difference between DMSO and EG with regard to live and motility rates. However, the lowest rates of live and motility spermatozoa were recorded in the PND group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the cryopreservation process reduces sperm quality and propanediol was not suitable for cryopreserving Venda cock spermatozoa. Table 1.Comparison of three CPA on cryopreservation of Venda cock semen This study was funded by the South African National Department of Agriculture, ARC, DST-PDP (RT19000), and National Research Foundation (NRF, Grant. no. RT21 and 24000).

Indigenous breeds, crossbreds and synthetic hybrids with modified genetic and economic profiles for rural family and small scale poultry farming in India

Approximately 110 million birds from nineteen documented indigenous, heavier and lighter bodied chicken breeds and numerous non-descript types are bought and sold at unorganized meat markets in India. Improving the economic production profile for poultry farmers had been a focus since independence. Genetic improvements by selection over seven generations in non-descript chicken breeds has resulted in 19 more eggs and 4 g higher egg weight. Indigenous exotic crossbreds have shown an increase of 24–45 eggs, which has been associated with increased body weight and earlier age of sexual maturity. Heterosis for egg number ranged from 15–23 percent. Hybrids of the Aseel and Delhem Red breeds produced more eggs than either of the parents. Exotic crossbreds, including the Vanraja, Giriraja, Nadanum, Kuroiler (semi-broiler types) and Krishna-J, Grampriya, Krishipriya, Hit-CARI, Up-CARI (lighter weight) were introduced to scavenging in small scale poultry operations by both public and private sector organisations. The production of the Kalyani-DK and Satpura-Desi synthetic hybrid prototypes, which resemble indigenous fowl in body conformation, multi coloured plumage, dull shanks, pink skin and single comb have generated new opportunities for poultry production in rural areas. The Satpura-Desi attained 1.0 kg bodyweight in 8–9 weeks with 2.45 kg feed. In the ‘quick return’ scheme for free range flocks the 200–300 g birds grew to marketable weight in another 50–60 days and were worth 150% in market price compared to the broiler chicken. Whereas, in a gradual income scheme, the egg produced, surplus cockerels and culled hens resulted in a net gain of US$64-70 annually; the quick return scheme for meat chicken produced a net income of US$96 for village women which exceeded the gradual financial returns generated from egg production. Small scale poultry farmers, raising 100–2000 Satpura-Desi chickens, have been able to capitalize on its acceptance as an indigenous breed in the local meat markets, which has been apparent from the sale of 0.67 million chicks in last 12 months.

Conservation of a Threatened Indigenous Fowl (Kureko Dori) Using the Germline Chimeras Transplanted from Primordial Germ Cells

This is the first successful report on producing the endangered domestic fowl, Kureko Dori (KD), which is a Kumamoto prefectural natural treasure, using germline chimeras transplanted from primordial germ cells (PGCs) in practice. The attempt was made to produce germline chimeras between KD fowl, as a model of rare and/or endangered poultry, and common White Leghorn (WL) for the proliferation of KD individuals. The PGCs of KD were collected from embryonic blood at stages 13 to 16 (H & H) and preserved in liquid nitrogen until injection. A certain number of frozen-thawed PGCs were picked up under a phase contrast microscope, and injected into the peripheral vein of WL embryos (common poultry) at stages 12 to 14. We obtained one male and 6 females as the putative germline chimera, they were raised until sexual maturity, and the progeny test was performed by mating them with KD of the opposite sex to analyze the efficiency of germline chimera. The average rate of offspring originating from transplanted PGCs of KD was only 1.4%, and the maximum was 5.3% from all 577. These KD offspring derived from the KD-WL germline chimeras also achieved fertility as normal. These results show that rare and/or endangered birds can proliferate through producing germline chimeras between the same species of bird.

Comparison of the Egg Characteristics of Different Sudanese Indigenous Chicken Types

Three local types of Sudanese indigenous fowls, large Baladi (LB), Bare-neck (BN) and Betwil (BT) were studied for detection of maturity live weight and egg characteristics. The (BN) average live weight (1547.2±274.5 gm) was heavier than either (LB) (1494.4±349.8 gm) or (BT) (1198.3±257.5 gm), The Betwil average live weight is significantly (P<0.05) lighter than those of other two local types. The weekly hen-day egg production means were 3.7, 3.2 and 3.9 for (BN), (BT) and (LB) respectively, while the corresponding hen-housed egg production means were 3.3, 2.7 and 3.4. The rate of egg production during the laying period (36 weeks) was 47.14, 38.57 and 48.57 for (BN), (BT) and (LB) respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in average egg-shell thickness among local types. The means of egg-shell thickness for (BT) and (BN), 36.2±4.2 and 36.2±4.0µ respectively were similar and both significantly thicker than that of (LB), 34.3±3.6µ

Indigenous Naked neck fowl of Bangladesh

The principal source of eggs and meat in Bangladesh is the large population of indigenous free range scavenging rural poultry. However their performance is far below that of standard exotic stocks. An absence of varieties that are able to thrive well in the harsh hot and humid environment, poor nutrition and high incidence of disease in the rural areas are the main problems affecting poultry production. Under these conditions the standard exotic stocks suffer most from heat stress, malnutrition and diseases, while among the indigenous varieties Naked neck fowl perform better in terms of egg and meat production, and are more resistant to disease than their fully feathered counterparts. Crosses between indigenous Naked neck fowl and exotic standard breeds also perform better than similar crosses using fully feathered indigenous fowl. However, research has not yet been done to determine the potential usefulness of Naked neck birds in the development of stocks that are better adapted to the needs of the rural farming community. This paper brings together the available information on the performance of indigenous Naked neck fowl in the hope that it will draw the attention of scientists world wide to its interesting characteristics and facilitate future research. This could help in producing improved stocks better suited to the rural communities of Bangladesh and those in other countries where similar physical and socioeconomic conditions are to be found.

Village egg and fowl meat production in Africa

Throughout the continent of Africa the keeping of indigenous fowl by village communities has been practised for many generations. These birds, which are generally kept on a free range system, currently make up more than 80% of the continent's poultry flock. Although requiring minimal resource input and considered secondary to other agricultural activities by farmers, this type of production has an important role in supplying local populations with additional income and high quality protein. However, high mortality, especially in growers, constitutes the greatest constraint on development. Indigenous fowl are not a particular variety but are the result of erratic crosses between local and imported stocks. Growth and egg production of the indigenous birds are low and their limits of performance are rapidly reached when feeding and management are improved. However, the meat and eggs are much preferred by the consumers and fetch premium prices compared with commercial birds. The genetic potential of the indigenous stocks could be improved through crossing with selected but still robust varieties.

The domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) in sub-Saharan Africa: A background to its introduction and its osteological differentiation from indigenous fowls (Numidinae and Francolinus sp.)

The co-occurrence of domestic guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and chicken (Gallus gallus) in prehistoric sites both in Africa and Europe has necessitated the construction of an osteological key to aid in their differentiation. This study deals particularly with the osteomorphological and to a lesser extent osteometric separation of fowls in a West African context (including larger Francolinus sp., Numida, Guttera and Agelastes sp. and Gallus gallus). This article will, however, be of interest to other Africanist and European researchers as well. The spread of the African guineafowl into Europe during the 5th century bc or earlier and Asiatic chickens into West Africa before 850 ad are important indicators of cultural contact which have gone relatively unnoticed. A summary of archaeological data available concerning the chicken in Africa is provided to give a background to the problem.

Crossbreeding and upgrading of the indigenous fowl of Nigeria with improved breeds.

SummaryThe indigenous fowl of Nigeria was crossed with the White Rock and Rhode Island Red breeds and was also upgraded with (or backcrossed to) the Rhode Island Red for three subsequent generations (F2—F4). The F1 of White Rock or Rhode Island Red and the indigenous fowl manifested heterosis of 4.1–12.4% in the 12 week body weight, 0.0–8.8% in feed conversion ratio, and −1.6 to −6.6% in mortality. Heterosis was of unequal magnitude in the reciprocal crossbreds. Upgrading of the indigenous fowl caused a progressive resemblance in growth rate and in keel and shank lengths, between F3 and F4 and Rhode Island Red to the extent of gene substitution. Since complete gene substitution cannot be achieved, the improved birds cannot be equal to or superior to the R. I. R. breed.ZusammenfassungKreuzungs‐ und Veredlungszucht von einheimischen Hühnern in Nigeria mit HochzuchtrassenEinheimische Nigeriahühner wurden mit White Rock und Rhode Island Red gekreuzt sowie während 3 aufeinanderfolgenden Generationen (F2—F4) mit Rhode Island Red zurückgekreuzt bzw. veredelt. Die White Rock und Rhode Island Red F1‐Generationen zeigten folgende Heterosis‐Effekte: 4,1 bis 12,4% hinsichtlich der wöchentlichen Zunahme des Körpergewichtes, 0,0 bis 8,8% hinsichtlich der Futterverwertung und −1,6 bis −6,6% hinsichtlich der Mortalität. Bei den reziproken Kreuzungen war die Heterosis ganz verschieden. Die Veredelungszucht des einheimischen Geflügels bewirkte eine sukzessive Angleichung der F3‐ und F4‐Generation an die Rhode Island Red bezüglich der Gewichtszunahme, der Brustbeingröße und der Schenkellänge. Da eine völlige Gensubstitution nicht erreicht werden kann, können die vercdelten Tiere nicht gleichwertig oder besser werden als die Rhode Island Red‐Rasse.RésuméCroisement et amélioration de volailles locales au Nigéria avec des races puresDes poules nigérianes locales ont été croisées avec les races White Rock et Rhode Island Red, puis recroisées et améliorées durant 3 générations successives (F2 — F4) avec la race Rhode Island Red. Les générations F1 White Rock et Rhode Island Red ont montré les effects d'hétérosis suivants: accroissement hebdomadaire du poids de 4,1 à 12,4%, mise en valeur de l'aliment de 0,0 à 8,8%, mortalité de −1,6 à−6,6%. L'hétérosis fut totalement différente lors de croisements réciproques. L'amélioration de la volaille locale a provoqué une égalisation successive de la génération F3 et F4 avec la race Rhode Island Red du point de vue de l'acroissement, de la grosseur du bréchet et de la longueur des cuisses. Une substitution totale de gène n'ayant pas été possible, les animaux améliorés n'ont pu être égaux ou meilleurs à ceux de la race Rhode Island Red.ResumenCría de cruce y mejora de las gallinas autóctonas en Nigeria con razas acreditadasSe cruzaron gallinas autóctonas con White Rock y Rhode Island Red, recruzándose resp. mejorándose durante las 3 generaciones siguientes (F 2 — F 4) con Rhode Island Red. Las generaciones F 1 White Rock y Rhode Island Red presentaban los efectos de heterosis siguientes: 4,1 hasta 12,4% con respecto al aumento semanal de peso corporal, 0,0 hasta 8,8% con respecto a la razón de conversión de los alimentos y −1,6 hasta −6,6% con respecto a la mortandad. En los cruces recíprocos era muy desigual la heterosis. La cría de mejora de las aves autóctonas ocasionaba una aproximación sucesiva de las generaciones F 3 y F 4 a la Rhode Island Red respecto al aumento de peso, el tamaño del esternón y de la longitud de las piernas. Puesto que no se puede conseguir una substitución total de los genes, los animales mejorados nunca pueden ser equivalentes o mejores que los de la raza Rhode Island Red.

Replacing maize with sweet potato in diets for chicks

1. Rhode Island Red chicks and chicks of the indigenous fowl of Nigeria were fed for ten weeks on diets of 227.5 g protein and 11.92 to 13.72 MJ ME/kg in which sweet potato was substituted for maize. 2. Replacing up to 344.3 g maize/kg with sweet potato did not significantly affect body weight, food intake, food conversion, nitrogen retention, mortality and relative weights of body parts at 10 weeks of age. 3. Whereas crude protein contents of liver, gizzard, heart, lung and breast were not significantly affected by the diets, fat contents were significantly decreased by the replacement of 344–3 g maize/kg with sweet potato.