The aim of this study was to understand production systems and phenotypic variation among indigenous chickens in some areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Research was conducted in six districts of KwaZulu-Natal to characterize indigenous chicken production systems, predict body weight from linear body measurements of indigenous chickens using principal component analysis, and identify morphological differences between indigenous chicken populations. Most farmers have started raising some native chickens obtained from related livestock through inheritance, gifts and purchase.
The use of principal components was more appropriate than the use of the original correlated variables in predicting the weight of native chickens. Although Jozini appeared more distant than the others, 51.1% of the native chickens were correctly placed in their population. It was found that, with the existing variations, it is possible to achieve an improvement in the size and aesthetic characteristics of indigenous chickens through selection according to the needs of breeders.
INTRODUCTION
General introduction
The study revealed that although there are certain challenges, native chickens in South Africa contribute significantly to the livelihood of rural communities. Other researchers have conducted studies on morphological variation using discriminant analysis to identify morphological traits that have the most discriminating power to distinguish indigenous chicken genotypes and populations (Ajayi et al., 2012; Al-Atiyat, 2009; Getu et al b) and Udeh and Ogbu (2011) used principal component analysis to identify the relationship between body weight and different linear body measurements of native chickens. A positive relationship between body weight and most of the body measurements was reported by Udeh and Ogbu (2011), the authors recorded highly significant positive correlation for breast girth and shank length for different chicken strains.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Mngonyama (2012) reported on the breed of indigenous chickens kept in uMnambithi-Ladysmith and Impendle municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. There is therefore little information on the characterization of morphological characteristics of indigenous chickens and their production systems in some communal areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of this study was to characterize the production systems and the morphological characteristics of the native chickens in different areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
Objectives of the study
Outline of the dissertation
3 Native Chickens, Native Chicken Types, Importance of Native Chickens, Native Chicken Diversity, Phenotypic Characterization of Native Chickens, Native Chicken Production Systems, and Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources. The research covered the management practices farmers use when raising native chickens and the constraints farmers face when raising native chickens. It also demonstrates the regression formulas obtained to predict the body weight of native chickens based on linear body measurements and principal components.
LITERATURE REVIEW
- Introduction
- South African conserved indigenous chickens
- Importance of indigenous chickens
- Phenotypic characterisation of indigenous chickens
- Indigenous chicken diversity
- Indigenous chicken production systems
- Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources
The fourth to third millennium BC have been advanced as the period of arrival of indigenous chickens in Africa (Mwacharo et al., 2013). The Ovambo chicken originated in the northern part of Namibia and Ovamboland (Grobbelaar et al., 2010). Feather color and comb type have been found to have significant economic value (Dana et al., 2011).
Simple structures such as half drums without air intakes are used to shelter native chickens at night (Mtileni et al., 2012). However, they are considered to be the most endangered and under-conserved (Hoffmann, 2009; Mtileni et al., 2012). These genetic resources should be conserved due to their characteristics and properties of scientific and economic interest (Mtileni et al., 2012).
Barbaachisummaan kunuunsaa yeroo dheeraaf Afrikaa Kibbaatti beekamtii argateera (Mtileni et al., 2012; . Mtileni et al., 2011).
CHARACTERISATION OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Materials and Methods
- Study site
- Farmer selection procedures and data collection
- Statistical analysis
- Results
- Household characteristics
- Farmers’ perceptions of the importance of indigenous genetic resources
- Indigenous chicken production systems in KwaZulu-Natal
- Discussion
- Conclusion
Native chickens are characterized by slow growth, late maturity and low production performance (Habte et al., 2013). Reasons for rearing native chickens were ranked by calculating indices (index = sum of (3 for rank 1+2 for rank 2+1 for rank 3) given for each reason divided by the sum of (3 for rank 1 +2 for rank 2) +1 for rank 3) for all reasons 1 Household characteristics, gender, age group and education level of participants rearing native chickens in selected areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
5 Supplements given to native chickens in the form of feed in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Most of the farmers in this study depended on raising indigenous chickens for their livelihood for various reasons. The results obtained were similar to the findings of Mtileni et al. 2008) who reported that indigenous chickens play an important role as a source of protein, for manure and for cultural rituals.
Native chickens were also used as a source of income, similar to the observation by McAinsh et al. Similarly (Dana et al., 2010b) and found that the majority of native chickens were raised under extensive systems in rural areas. The existence of indigenous chicken houses, albeit poorly constructed, indicates that farmers are aware of the importance of shelter and also the importance, per se, of their indigenous chickens (Kugonza et al., 2004; Moreda et al., 2014).
According to Mtileni et al. 2009) good housing makes management easier and can help farmers raise native chickens to market maturity in a short period of time. A condition that can affect the production of grains consumed by native chickens (Kingori et al., 2010). According to Mtileni et al. 2012), the low performance of native chickens in terms of their production can be largely attributed to poor food sources.
The predators of native chickens reported by farmers were dogs, feral cats, rats, eagles and snakes. 33 CHAPTER 4: MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF IMPORTED CHICKENS IN KWAZULU-NATAL BASED ON PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF THE BODY.
MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF INDIGENOUS
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Materials and Methods
- Study site
- Data collection
- Measurement of Traits
- Statistical analysis
- Results
- Descriptive statistics of body measurements
- Correlation of body weight and body measurements
- Prediction of body weight from linear body measurements and independent principal
- Discussion
- Conclusion
Among indigenous chicken traits, body weight and linear body measurements are commonly used to measure growth in indigenous chickens (Udeh and Ogbu, 2011). The use of linear body measurements to predict body weight can help indigenous chicken breeders to estimate body weight cheaply, accurately, easily and rapidly (Gueye et al., 1998). The relationship between body weight and linear body measurements has not yet been sufficiently investigated in indigenous chickens in KwaZulu-Natal.
The study was conducted to predict body weight from linear body measurements of indigenous chickens using principal component analysis. Body weight (BW), throat length (ShL), throat circumference (ShC), toe length (TL), body length (BOL), back length (BaL), neck length (NL) and girth of breast (BrC) were measured in each indigenous chicken. Means, standard errors of body weight, and linear body measurements were obtained using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS 20 (2010).
Pearson's correlation coefficient between body weight and linear body measurements was estimated, and principal factor analysis was obtained from the correlation matrix. 1 Descriptive statistics of body weight (kg) and linear body measurements (cm) of indigenous chickens in different age groups. The correlation of body weight and linear body measurements of native chickens is shown in Table 4.2.
4 Stepwise multiple regression of body weight on original body measurements and factor score in indigenous chickens. The obtained results for body weight and linear body measurements of native chickens were similar to the results of Egen et al. The results show that the body weight of native chickens can be predicted by linear body measurements.
The high correlation coefficient observed between body weight and morphological traits indicates that breast circumference can be used as a reliable predictor of body weight. The use of principal components was more appropriate than the use of correlated linear body measurements for predicting body weight of chickens.
MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION OF SIX
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Materials and Methods
- Data collection
- Statistical analysis
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
47 production and aesthetic traits of indigenous chickens through selection and breeding between populations. Indigenous chickens are known to differ in their phenotype (their morphological identity) (Aklilu et al., 2013; Ogah, 2013). In 2012, FAO recommended the use of the multivariate discriminant analysis technique for the phenotypic characterization of indigenous chickens.
The objective of the study was to identify morphological variation among indigenous chickens in different municipal areas in KwaZulu-Natal using discriminant analysis. Measurements collected from 350 indigenous chickens included body weight (BW), back length (BaL), body length (BoL), breast circumference (BrC), neck length (NL), toe length (TL), length thoracic (SL) and circumferential flute (SC). The frequencies of quality traits observed in native chickens are shown in table 5.1.
2 Means and standard errors of various body measurements for indigenous chickens in different areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Discriminant function analysis was able to correctly classify 51.1% of native chickens into their source populations. 5 Predicted group membership using discriminant analysis of native chickens from different communal areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
Garaagarummaan halluu rifeensa mataa amala hanqaaquu dhalootaan kutaalee Afrikaa biroo keessatti mul’isuuf amala barame ta’ee jira (Dana et al., 2010a). Argannoon ammaa halluu ijaa irratti argame bu’aa Aklilu fi kkfn argameen walfakkaata. 2013) hanqaaquu dhalootaan Itoophiyaa irraa dhufan keessatti. Qorattoonni Itoophiyaa biroon qamadii dhalootaan jiraatan keessatti loobiin gurraa diimaan ol’aantummaa akka qabu gabaasan (Melesse and Negesse, 2011).
Several researchers have reported native single-combed chickens (Aklilu et al., 2013; McAinsh et al., 2004; Mogesse, 2007a). The results obtained in this study may be due to gene flow of native chickens in close proximity to each other (Ladysmith and Newcastle).
General discussion
Conclusion and Recommendations
Prediction of body weight from body measurements in mature native chickens in Senegal. Phenotypic and morphometric characterization of indigenous chickens at Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district in Bangladesh. Production of indigenous chickens for household food security in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a situational analysis.
Do you contact the extension officer(s) in your area to assist you in terms of managing your native chickens. What do you think can be done to prevent the loss of these native chickens. Have you noticed any changes in climate since the year you started raising your native chickens and other livestock.
What do you think about Temperatures from the year you started raising your native chickens to 2015. Is climate change having any effect on the survival of your native chickens and other livestock. What do you do to ensure that the type of native chickens you raise adapt to climate change?
What qualities do you think enable the survival of native chickens in the production system you use?
