Native Chicken from Chotanagpur Plateau: Morphological, Behavioral, Growth, and Reproductive Performance

REENA KUMARI KAMAL; P C CHANDRAN Poolangulam Chinnakkan Chandran; Amitava Dey; Rekha Sharma; A.K. Mishra; Rajni Kumari; Shanker Dayal; Rakesh Kumar; Manoj Tripathi; Anup Das

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i5.165778

Authors

REENA KUMARI KAMAL ICAR-RCER,PATNA
P C CHANDRAN ICAR-RCER, Patna
Amitava Dey ICAR-RCER, Patna
Rekha Sharma ICAR-RCER, NBAGR, Karnal, Haryana
A.K. Mishra ICAR-RCER, NBAGR, Karnal, Haryana
Rajni Kumari ICAR-RCER, Patna
Shanker Dayal ICAR-RCER, Patna
Rakesh Kumar ICAR-RCER, Patna
Manoj Tripathi ICAR-RCER, Patna
Anup Das ICAR-RCER, Patna

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i5.165778

Keywords:

Behavioral traits, Characterization, Native chicken, Morphometry, Reproductive performance

Abstract

The Native chicken population in Jharkhand surpasses the improved chicken population by nearly 24 times. Nonetheless, the region lacks formally recognized chicken breeds, despite the widespread success and traditional practices of raising lesser-known breeds. The present study was conducted to describe the phenotypic characteristics, production efficiency and certain behavioural characteristics of native Mala Chicken of Chotanagpur plateau of India. Field observations, farmer interviews, and controlled rearing under simulated field conditions, were used to collect data. A total of 736 adult chickens were sampled and characterized for 17 quantitative traits and 438 adult chickens for 10 qualitative traits. The black & golden mix (38.88%) followed by white & black mix (37.80%) plumage colour in males and white & black (34.60%) followed by brownish white to light brown (31.18%) plumage colour in females were dominant in the ‘Mala’ chicken. The single comb was the most prevalent. In males, the hackle and saddle feathers displayed a rich golden-yellow hue, forming a garland-like pattern with laced plumage. Predominantly, the native chicken possesses white skin colour (73.28%), red earlobe (55.92%) and yellow shank (64.46%). The mean body weights of indigenous male and female chickens were found to be 1.86±0.04 kg and 1.09±0.02 kg, respectively. The average values for body length (cm), back length (cm), wingspan (cm), comb length (cm), shank length (cm) was 39.30±0.16, 27.22±0.13, 34.00±0.20, 5.76±0.18, 9.49±0.06 respectively. Average age at first egg, annual egg production, clutch length, number of clutches and average numbers of eggs laid per cycle of indigenous chickens obtained in the present study were 209.71±0.94 days, 68.94±0.98, 12.87±0.34, 2.41±0.08 days and 12.75±0.37 respectively. The flight distance and height were recorded as 40.14 ft and 8.35 ft, respectively, while the territory radius of cocks measured 122.69 ft. The findings of this study offer baseline data on the phenotypic, production, and behavioral traits of native chicken germplasm from the Chotanagpur Plateau, India. Further efforts should be directed toward their conservation and enhancement.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

REENA KUMARI KAMAL, ICAR-RCER,PATNA

Ph.D SCHOLAR ,LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT(LPM),IVRI
P C CHANDRAN, ICAR-RCER, Patna

Pr. Scientist, AGB
Amitava Dey, ICAR-RCER, Patna

Pr. Scientist, Animal Nutrition
Rekha Sharma, ICAR-RCER, NBAGR, Karnal, Haryana

Pr. Scientist, Animal Biotechnology
A.K. Mishra, ICAR-RCER, NBAGR, Karnal, Haryana

Pr. Scientist, AGB
Rajni Kumari, ICAR-RCER, Patna

Pr. Scientist, Animal Biotechnology
Shanker Dayal, ICAR-RCER, Patna

Pr. Scientist, AGB
Rakesh Kumar, ICAR-RCER, Patna

Scientist, AGB
Manoj Tripathi, ICAR-RCER, Patna

Scientist, Vet. Physiology
Anup Das, ICAR-RCER, Patna

Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna

References

Agarwal S, Prasad S. Kumar R, Naskar S, Kumari S, Chandra N S, and Agarwal B K. 2020. Phenotypic characterization and economic traits of native chicken of Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies (5): 2328–333.

Aklilu E, Kebede K, Dessie T, Banerjee A K. 2013. Phenotypic characterization of indigenous chicken population in Ethiopia. International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies (11):24-32.

Assefa H, and Melesse A. 2018. Morphological and morphometric characterization of indigenous chicken populations in Sheka Zone, South Western Ethiopia. Poultry Fishery Wildlife Science 6(2): 1–9.

Anonymous, (2023). Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics”. Government of India, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

Bekele G, Kebed K and Ameha N, 2015. On-farm phenotypic characterization of indigenous chicken and their production system in Bench Maji zones, South Western Ethiopia. Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal 4(1): 68-73.

Chebo C, Aberra M, and Simret B. 2023. Morphological descriptors of indigenous chickens: as a selection guide. Journal of Applied Animal Research 51 (1):729–742.

Dahloum L, Moula N, Halbouche M, and Mignon–Grasteau S. 2016. Phenotypic characterization of the indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus) in the northwest of Algeria. Archives in Animal Breeding 59: 79–90.

Daikwo I S, Okpe A A. and Ocheja J. O. 2011. Phenotypic characterization of local chickens in Dekina. International Journal of Poultry Science 10(6): 444–47.

Dessie T, Dana N, Ayalew W, and Hanotte O. 2012. Current state of knowledge on indigenous chicken genetic resources of the tropics: domestication, distribution and documentation of information on the genetic resources. World's Poultry Science Journal 68 (1): 11–20.

Dessie T. 2003. Phenotypic and genetic characterisation of local chicken ecotypes of Ethiopia. Ph.D. thesis, Berlin, Germany: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Dorji N, and Sunar S K. 2014. Morphometric variations among five Bhutanese indigenous chicken. Journal of Animal Poultry Sciences 3:76–85.

FAO, 2009. Characterization of indigenous chicken production systemsin Cambodia. In M.T. Dinesh, E. Geerlings, J. Sölkner, S. Thea,O. Thieme and M. Wurzinger. Rome, Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations

(available at http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/al677e/al677e00.pdf).

Farooq M, Gul N, Chand N, Durrani F R, Khurshid A. 2002. Production performance of backyard chicken under the care of women in Charsadda, Pakistan. Livestock Research for Rural Development 14.

Ferdaus A J M, Bhuiyan M S A, Hassin B M, Bhuiyan A. K. F. H, Howlider M A R. 2016. Phenotypic characterization and productive potentialities of indigenous dwarf chicken of Bangladesh.”Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 45(1):52-61.

Gopinath, 2013. Characterization and performance evaluation of indigenous chicken in the Mysore division of Karnataka State. Ph.D. thesis, Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar.

Gowda B G, Jayanaik C S, Nagaraja M, Veeregowda T, Krishnamurthy N, Jayashree R, Kotresh A M, Gouri M D and Basavarajaiah D M. 2020. Phenotypic characterization of indigenous chicken of Belagaum division of Karnataka State, India. International Journal of Current Microbiological and Applied Sciences 9(4): 1304–312.

Guni F S, Katule A M. 2013. Characterization of local chickens in selected districts of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania: I. Qualitative characters. Livestock Research for Rural Development 25.

Hossen M J. 2010. Effect of management intervention on the productivity and profitability of indigenous chickens under rural condition in Bangladesh. Livestock Researchfor Rural Development 22:192.

Iqbal S. & Pampori Z A. 2008. Production potential and qualitative traits of indigenous chicken of Kashmir. Livestock Research for Rural Development 20: 11.

Kumar P G, Churchil R R, Jalaludeen A, Narayanankutty K, Peethambaran P A, Praveena P E, Chacko B, and Ajithbabu B. 2016. Egg production and certain behaviouralcharacteristics and mortality pattern of indigenouschicken of India. Animal Genetic Resources 59:27–36.

Lalhlimpuia C, Singh S N, Mayengbam P and Tolenkhomba T C. 2021. Physical characteristics of Zoar: The indigenous chicken of Mizoram, India. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 9(1): 1982-1984.

Anonymous, 2012. All India 19th Livestock Census Report. Ministry of Agriculture Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

Anonymous, 2019. All India 20th Livestock Census Report. Ministry of Agriculture Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

Maharani D, Mustofa F, Sari A P, Fathoni A, Sasongko H, Hariyono D N. 2021. Phenotypic characterization and principal component analyses of indigenous chicken breeds in Indonesia. Veterinary World. 14(6):1665–1676. doi:10.14202/vetworld.2021.1665-1676.

Mahoro J, Muasy T K, Mbuza F, Habimana R and Kahi A K. 2017. Characterization of indigenous chicken production systems in Rwanda. Poultry Science96 (2):4245-4252.

Magothe T MT, Keno O O, Muhuyi W B and Kahi A K.2012. Small-scale family poultry production indigenous chicken production in Kenya: I. Current status. World’s Poultry Science Journal 68:119–132.

Mishra S, Dash S K, Samal L, Mallick B K, Karna D K, Mishra P C, Mishra C and Kundu A K. 2023. Phenotypic characterization and body conformation traits of native Vezaguda, Phulbani and Hansli chickens of Odisha. The Pharma Innovation Journal 12(1): 1001-1004.

Mishra S, Dash S K, Samal L, Mallick B K, Karna D K, Mishra P C, Mishra C and Kundu A K. 2013. Phenotypic characterization and body conformation traits of native Vezaguda, Phulbani and Hansli chickens of Odisha. The Pharma Innovation Journal 12(1): 1001-1004.

Mwalusanya N A, Katule A M, Mutayoba S K, Mtambo M M A, Olsen, J E. 2002 Productivity of local chickens under village management conditions. Tropical Animal Health and Production 34: 405-416.

Omprakash A V, Pandian C. and Ezhil V S. 2018. TANUVAS Technical Reporter (2): 1–4.

Padhi, 2016. Importance of Indigenous Breeds of Chicken for Rural Economy and Their Improvements for Higher Production Performance. Scientifica, ID 2604685, pp 9.

Prabakaran R, and Valavan S E. 2020. Production and reproduction performance of Aseel under intensive system in tropical climate condition. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies (1): 1188-1190.

Qureshi M, Qadri A H, and Gachal G S. 2018. Morphological study of various varieties of Aseel chicken breed inhabiting district Hyderabad. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies (2): 2043–045.

Rajakumar, 2013. Characterization and performance evaluation of indigenous chicken in the Bangalore division of Karnataka State. Ph.D. Thesis submitted to KVAFSU, Bidar.

Rajkumar U, Haunshi S, Paswan C, M. Raju V L N, Rama Rao S V and Chatterjee R N. 2017. Characterization of indigenous Aseel chicken breed for morphological, growth, production and meat composition traits from India. Poultry Science (7): 2120–126.

Rajkumar U, Rama Rao S V, Raju M V L N and Chatterjee R N. 2021. Backyard poultry farming for sustained production and enhanced nutritional and livelihood security with special reference to India: a review. Tropical Animal Health and Production 53:176.

Reta D. 2009. Understanding the role of indigenous chickens during thelong walk to food security in Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development 21: 8.

Roberts V. 1997. British Poultry Standards (5th edn). Blackwell Science Ltd. UK. Pp. 45–46.

Rotimi E A, Egahi J O and Adeoye A A. 2016. Phenotypic characterization of indigenouschicken population in Gwer-West, BenueState, Nigeria. World Scientific News 53(3): 343-353.

Sarkar M J A, Sarkar M J A, Bhuiyan M S A, Faruque M O, Ali M A, Lee J H. 2012. Phenotypic characterization of Aseel chicken of Bangladesh. Korean Journal of Poultry Science 39: 9–15.

Sethi R K. 2016. Characterization of Hazra chicken in its native tract of Odhisa. M. V. Sc Thesis.

Sekeroglu A & Aksimsek S D. 2009. Village chicken production in Turkey: Tokat province example. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 41: 103–108.

Singh K M. 2013. Phenotypic characterization of local chicken of Manipur in its home P.O.Box 129, Karnal. 132 001.

Tantia M S, Khanna K, Vij H R K, Vij P K, Singh G, Ahlawat S P S. 2006. Chicken breeds of India –Ankaleshwar. Leaflet 37, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. P. O. Box129, Karnal, 132001.

Terminal Report. 1996–99. Network Project on Survey of Poultry (Aseel) Genetic Resources. Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, IGKVV, Anjora, Durg (M.P.)

Thangadurai R. and Shanmugam P S. 2019. Comparative performance of TANUVAS Aseel, Gramapriya and indigenous desi bird under backyard condition in Dharmapuri district. Indian Veterinary Journal (12): 33–35.

Thirunavukkarasu P, Vasanthakumar T, and Kannan V. 2024. Phenotypic characterization of the native chicken variety maintained at Hosur. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 94(1): 39–43.

Valavan S E, Omprakash A V, Bharatidhasan A. and Ramesh V, Kumar S. 2016. Production performance of Aseel under Indian tropical condition. International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture 2(11):107-10.

Vij P K, Tantia M S, Kumar A K, Vijh R K, Ahlawat S P S. 2007. Chicken Breeds of India-Tellicihery. Leaflet 42, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, P.O. Box 129, Karnal, 132 001.

Vij P K, Tantia M S, Mishraina B, Bharani Kumar S T and Vijh R K. 2006. Characterization of Aseel, Danki, Kalasthi and Ghagns breeds of chicken. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 76 (11):944-949.

Vij P K, Tantia M S and Pan S. 2015. Performance of Harringhata black chicken under field condition. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 85(8):930-32.

Vij P K, Tantia M S and Singh T R. 2016. Kaunayen chicken - A new indigenous germplasm from Manipur. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (9): 1085–087.

Vij P K, Tantia M S, Kumar K A, Vijh R K. 2008. Phenotypic and Genetic Characterizations of Tellicherry breed of chicken. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 78(12):1420-1422.

Vij P K, Tantia M S, Vijh R K and Ahlawat S P S. 2005. Chicken Breeds of India Danki.Leaflet 23, National Bureau of Animal GeneticResources. P.O. Box 129, Karnal. 132 001.

Vij P K, Tantia M S, Vijh R K. 2009. Phenotypic and Genetic Characterizations of Bursa Breed of Chicken. Indian Veterinary Journal 86(8):864-866.

Vij P K, Tantia M S, Vijh R K. 2006b. Characterization of Punjab Brown chicken. Animal Genetic Resources Information 39:65-76.

Vijh R K, Vij P K, Tantia M S, and Ahlawat S P S. 2005b. Chicken Breeds of India-Kalasthi. Leaflet 21, National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. P.O. Box 129,Karnal, 132 001.