Characterisation of Production Systems and Phenotypic Traits of Indigenous Chickens in Communal Areas of KwaZulu-Natal

A thesis submitted the Department of Science and Agriculture in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Science and agriculture at the University of Zululand,2018

Indigenous chicken genetic resources play a major role in rural communities. There is therefore a need for their sustainable use and conservation. Conservation requires knowledge of production systems, phenotypic and genetic characteristics. The aim of this study was to understand the production systems and phenotypic variation among indigenous chickens in some areas of KwaZulu-Natal. A survey was conducted in six districts of KwaZulu-Natal to characterise indigenous chicken production systems;, predict body weight from linear body measurements of indigenous chickens using principal component analysis, and identify the morphological variation among indigenous chicken populations. Small flock sizes ranging from 2 to 80 indigenous chickens were observed in households. The majority of farmers started rearing a few indigenous chickens sourced from related stock through inheritance, gifts and buying. Indigenous chickens were reared as a source of meat, eggs and income. Most farmers (72%), were not aware of the importance of conserving indigenous chickens. The most common constraints raised by farmers were diseases, predators and theft. The most commonly practised production systems were extensive and semi-intensive. Poor management in terms of feeding, watering and health was reported in all surveyed areas. Principal component analysis of linear body measurements extracted two principal components with a total variance of 63.94%. Principal component one, related to body size, had the largest share of breast circumference, body length and shank circumference. Principal component two, related to body shape, had high loadings on toe length, shank length and back length. The use of principal components was more appropriate than the use of original correlated variables in predicting the weight of indigenous chickens. Variation in morphological traits was observed; 10 plumage colours were realised from different locations, and variation was also observed in skin colour, eye colour, shank colour and comb type. Variation in phenotypes may reflect variation in the genome of the indigenous chickens. Discriminant analysis identified body weight as the most discriminating variable in differentiating indigenous chickens. Two major clusters were formed: the first by Newcastle, Port Shepstone and Cedara; the second by Pietermaritzburg and Ladysmith. Empangeni and Jozini individually joined the two clusters. Although Jozini showed itself to be more distant to the others, 51.1% of indigenous chickens were correctly assigned to their population. It was concluded that with the existing variation improvement in size and aesthetic characteristics of the indigenous chickens can be achieved through selection according to the needs of the farmers. Farmers require assistance on husbandry and management of indigenous chickens.