Phenotypic Characterization of Local Chickens

The distribution and density of birds vary from place to place. Local chickens, which are not properly characterized, have been found to vary widely in body size conformation, plumage colour and other phenotypic characteristics (Mogesse, 2007). The productivity of indigenous birds under the rural production systems has been reported to be very low (Teketel, 1986). This low productivity may be attributed to lack of improved poultry breeds, the presence of predators, the incidence of chicken diseases, poor feeding and management factors(Alemu, 1995; Alemu and Tadelle, 1997). Hence, the FAO of the United Nations has proposed an integrated programme for the global management of genetic resources on an international level. This is being developed by FAO, with the main objective of assisting countries by providing extensive searchable databases and guidelines for better characterization, utilization and conservation of animal genetic resources. Accordingly, this study sought to unearth the variation among local chickens in other part of the country in terms of feather distribution and structure, the presence of genes responsible for such variation and other morphological features.