Phenotypic and Morphological Characterization of Indigenous Chicken Populations in Southern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

Phenotypic characterization of indigenous chicken resources is a prerequisite for their rational utilization. Data were collected from 210 randomly selected households (HHs) using structured questionnaires. Visual appraisal was conducted to study morphological traits of indigenous chicken populations. Quantitative data were collected on body weight, shank length, body length, chest circumference, back length, keel length, wingspan, comb height, comb length, and wattle length from a total of 720 chickens (237 male and 483 females) aged more than 6 month. Descriptive statistics, Frequency procedures, and General linear model of SAS 2008 were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that a total of eighteen distinct plumage colors were identified in which the predominant plumage colors were red (24.17%) followed by white (13.33%) and black (13.06%). The results also indicated that (57.08%) of chicken populations were rose combed followed by pea (27.36%), single (12.22%), walnut (2.5%), strawberry (0.56%) and cushion (0.28%) combs. Yellow was the major shank color (50.55%), followed by white (38.89%) and black (10.56%). The majority (40.28%) of chicken population exhibited white and red earlobe, followed by red (28.89%), white (26.94%) and yellow (3.89%). Males in all populations are heavier and taller than females. The mean body weight of indigenous male and female chickens was 1271±12.6g and 1034±8.05g, respectively. The present study suggests that indigenous chicken populations might possess useful genetic potentials for improved productivity under scavenging feed resource-based production systems. Therefore, efforts need to be made in services like health, husbandry, research, extension, training and credit interventions. In addition morphological and phenotypical variations have been observed among the indigenous chicken populations; hence an in-depth molecular evaluation is needed to prove the level of genetic differentiation and relationship among them. Keywords: Households, indigenous chicken, productivity, qualitative trait, quantitative trai