Characterization of Aseel, Danki, Kalasthi and Ghagns breeds of chicken

Abstract

Danki and KaJasthi breeds ofchicken are native to Andhra Pradesh while Ghagus is native to Kamataka. Survey was conducted in the breeding tract of these breeds to study management practices, morphological, performance and egg quality parameters. The study covered Vizianagaram and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh, and Kolar district of Kamataka. 352, 512 and 451 birds of Danki, Kalasthi and Ghagus breeds, respectively, maintained by 22,40 and 21 families, respectively, were observed. Danki is basically used as a fighter breed, Kalasthi for meat and Ghagus for eggs. Birds are reared in the backyard system. Plumage colour in Danki and Ghagus breeds was predominantly brown while in Kalasthi it was bluish black. Pea comb was most common. It was compressed in Danki, and erect in Kalasthi and Ghagus breeds. Danki cocks had longer spur as compared to that other 2 breeds. Average weight ofcocks was 3.1±0.09, 2.5±O.13 and 2.2±O.25 kg and that of hens was 2.2±0.06, 1.9±O.1O and 1.4±O.81 kg in Danki, Kalasthi and Ghagus breeds respectively. Annual egg production was about 32, 34 and 52; and average egg weight was 46.2±1.72, 42.9±1.94 and 40.3±2.39g in Danki, Kalasthi and Ghagus breeds respectively. Egg quality parameters were also estimated. Genetic characterization ofthese 3 breeds along with Aseel with 25 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci revealed that all the 4 breeds have population structure. Ghagus and Kalasthi fonned one cluster and were close to each other while Danki was a distant breed.