Phenotypic Characteristics of Indigenous Chickens in Selected Regions of Nigeria

The Nigerian indigenous chicken called the native or village chicken are widely distributed in the rural areas of Nigeria, where they are kept by the natives principally as a source of protein and income. These native chickens play major roles not only in rural economies but also contribute substantially to the gross national income. This study aimed to determine the productivity of identified phenotypic characteristics and to aid the selection and genetic improvement of indigenous chickens in local areas of Nigeria (Ikole, Ekiti East and Oye local government). A total of 180 captive adult (normal feathering female and male) frizzled local chickens were scored and measured for phenotypic characteristics. There were no significant differences across the local governments (locations) comparing the native chickens for body weight, shank length, comb length, chest length, and comb height. The beak length and the body length were significant. The body weight ranged from 1.06 to 1.08 kg. Oye and Ekiti East local government had the highest similar value of 1.08 kg while Ikole local government had the least value (1.07 kg). The magnitude of the value of the parameters between shank length and comb height, between shank length and comb height, between shank length and body length, between comb height and comb length and between comb height and body length were positive and significant. There were positive and significant relationships between comb height and body weight and between clutch size and body weight (r = 0.34292, 0.36718) in frizzled local chickens. There was a significant positive relationship between shank length and beak length, between shank length and body weight, between comb height and beak length and between beak length and body weight. The correlations between shank colour and clutch size, between comb length and clutch size, and between beak lengths were negative. The performance of the local chickens can be greatly enhanced with improvement in basic management with the response to genetic improvement for increased body weight and egg production.