Phenotypic characterization, management and marketing practices of native chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) in Palawan, Philippines

A study was conducted to phenotypically characterize the native chickens in Palawan and to determine the management and marketing practices employed by the raisers. One hundred eight native chicken raisers representing 24 municipalities and three regions of Palawan were interviewed. Results showed Palawan native chickens to be predominantly of yellow shanks, white skin, red earlobes and red plumage pattern predominate. Comb was mostly of the single type in hens while roosters showed rose comb type.More of the roosters showed higher body measurements than hens. Sixty-one variants of native chickens were observed where roosters in the Southern Region resembled Paraoakan more than those in the Central and Northern Regions. Native Chicken raisers in Palawan do not provide housing as shelter but feed the chickens twice a day with farm products and by-products by scattering them on the ground. Selection on the basis of body size is practiced in choosing breeder/replacement stocks and chickens intended for slaughter/sale. In addition, raisers just allowed random mating between rooster and hen. Results likewise showed that raisers do not keep records, provide adequate nests for their hens, and allow natural incubation and brooding. However, deworming, vaccination, treatment, ethnoveterinary medication, disinfection and artificial insemination are generally not practiced. Dead birds are disposed by burying. In addition, chickens that are produced are primarily for home consumption and only sells as the need for pretty cash arise. Raisers believed that buyers prefer native chickens over exotic breeds because of its distinct taste. Results further indicated that more roosters with phenotypic appearance resembling Paraoakan predominate in the Southern Region than in Central and Northern Regions. Moreover, management and marketing practices among the three regions showed no difference.