Characterization of Qualitative and Quantitative Traits of Five Strains of Zambia Indigenous Chicken
Keywords:
Indigenous chicken, strains, phenotypic, Zambia
Abstract
This study assessed the phenotypic characteristics of five indigenous chicken strains from Zambia’s Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, Southern, and Lusaka provinces, providing baseline data for a selective breeding program aimed at improving performance. A total of 100 chickens (74 females and 26 males) were sampled. Qualitative traits were observed, and quantitative traits such as body weight, body length, thigh length and circumference, chest circumference, shank length and circumference, wingspan, and keel length were measured. Males had significantly higher live body weights and measurements than females (P < 0.05), with average mature male weight at 1.88 kg and females at 1.63 kg. Frizzled-feathered males had significantly higher shank lengths (10.8 ± 0.76 cm) than females. No significant strain differences among males were noted in wingspan or live weight. Naked-neck males had the highest live weight, while short-legged males had the lowest for all the strains. Normal-feathered, Naked-neck and Frizzled females had similar shank lengths and circumferences, significantly higher than dwarf females. The study found high positive correlations between body weight and other measurements (P < 0.01), except for body length and thigh length circumference in naked-neck females. Chickens were distributed as normal-feathered (44%), white-spotted (19%), naked-neck (17%), short-legged (13%), and frizzled-feathered (7%). The dominant comb type was single (96%), followed by pea (3%), and rose (1%). Grey shank colour was most common (33%), followed by white (31%), black (18%), and yellow (17%), with green at 1%. White earlobe colour was universal (100%), and eye colours were predominantly brown (42%), followed by black (31%) and grey (23%), with white and grey being the least common (1% and 3%). The phenotypic diversity within these strains suggests great potential for improving indigenous chicken performance through selective breeding.References
Abadula, T. A., Jilo, S. A., Hussein, J. A., & Abadura, S. Z. (2022). Poultry Production Status, Major Constraints, and Future Prospective. Journal of World’s Poultry Science, 1(1), 22–28. https://doi.org/10.58803/JWPS.V1I1.4
Adekoya, K. O., Oboh, B. O., Adefenwa, M. A., & Ogunkanmi, L. A. (2013). Morphological Characterization of Five Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Types. http://ir.unilag.edu.ng:8080/handle/123456789/3518
Ajayi, F. (2010). Nigerian Indigenous Chicken: A Valuable Genetic Resource for Meat and Egg Production. Article in Asian Journal of Poultry Science. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajpsaj.2010.164.172
Bekele, G., Kebede, K., & Ameha, N. (2015). On-farm Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Chicken and their Production System in Bench Maji Zone, South Western Ethiopia. Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 4(1), 68–73. https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I1.10
Dahloum, L., Moula, N., Halbouche, M., & Mignon-Grasteau, S. (2016). Phenotypic characterization of the indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus) in the northwest of Algeria. Archives Animal Breeding, 59 (1): 79–90.
Daikwo, S., Odah, E., Ogah, D., & Baba-onoja, E. (2018). Qualitative Traits Variation in Indigenous Chickens of Bekwarra, Nigeria. Asian Research Journal of Agriculture, 9(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.9734/arja/2018/41389
FAO. (2012). Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources. In FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines: Vol. No 11.
Hailemichael, N. (2013). On-farm phenotypic characterization of indigenous chickens and chicken production system in southern zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia (Doctoral dissertation, MSc Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia. 106pp).
Halima, H., Neser, F. W. C., Van Marle-Koster, E., & De Kock, A. (2007). Phenotypic variation of native chicken populations in northwest Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 39(7), 507–513. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11250-007-9032-2
Harrison, S. J., Moono, M. B., & Odubote, I. K. (2024). Production Systems and Management Practices of Chicken Populations in Zambia. Sustainable Agriculture Research, 13(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.5539/sar.v13n1p61
Ige, A. O., Salako, A. E., Yakubu, A., Ojedapo, L. O., Adedeji, T. A., & Adeoti, T. M. (2012). Comparison and prediction of morphological characteristics of Frizzled Frizzled Feather and Naked Neck Chicken in Derived Savannah zone. Production Agriculture and Technology Journal, 8(2), 68-75.
Kanyama, C. . ., Moss, A. . ., & Crowley, T. . . (2022). Strategies of promoting sustainable use and conservation of indigenous chicken breeds in Zambia: lessons from low-income countries. F1000Research, 11, 251. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.75478.2
Liswaniso, S., Mweni, M., Moono, M. B., Nambeye, E., Mweni, M. W., Tyasi, T. L., Mufungwe, J., Chimbaka, I. M., & Harrison, S. (2024). Assessment of phenotypic diversity and morphometry of indigenous chickens in Kabwe District, Zambia https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.2.3278
Liswaniso, S., Qin, N., Shan, X., Sun, X., & Xu, R. (2023). Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Free Range Chickens in Kalomo, Zambia. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 33(3), 655–665. https://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2023.3.0658
Liyanage, R. P., Dematawewa, C. M. B., & Silva, G. L. L. P. (2015). Comparative Study on Morphological and Morphometric Features of Village Chicken in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 26(2), 261–273. http://fangrsl.org
Machete, J. B. (2023). Phenotypic and genetic characterization of different strains of indigenous Tswana chickens in Kweneng and southern districts of Botswana. https://researchhub.buan.ac.bw/handle/13049/711
Manyelo, T. G., Selaledi, L., Hassan, Z. M., & Mabelebele, M. (2020). Local Chicken Breeds of Africa: Their Description, Uses and Conservation Methods. Animals 2020, Vol. 10, Page 2257, 10(12), 2257. https://doi.org/10.3390/ANI10122257
Melesse, A., Maak, S., Schmidt, R., & von Lengerken, G. (2011). Effect of long-term heat stress on some performance traits and plasma enzyme activities in Naked-neck chickens and their F1 crosses with commercial layer breeds. Livestock Science, 141(2–3), 227–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.LIVSCI.2011.06.007
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. (2023). Livestock Survey Report Republic of Zambia.
Msoffe, P. L. M., Minga, U. M., Olsen, J. E., Yongolo, M. G. S., Juul-Madsen, H. R., Gwakisa, P. S., & Mtambo, M. M. A. (2001). Phenotypes including immunocompetence in scavenging local chicken ecotypes in Tanzania. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 33(4), 341–354. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010544221028/METRICS
Mwacharo, J. M., Bjørnstad, G., Han, J. L., & Hanotte, O. (2013). The History of African Village Chickens: An Archaeological and Molecular Perspective. African Archaeological Review, 30(1), 97–114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10437-013-9128-1
Padhi, M. K. (2016). Importance of Indigenous Breeds of Chicken for Rural Economy and Their Improvements for Higher Production Performance. Scientifica, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2604685
Patrick M. Kgwatalala. (2012). Growth performance of different strains of indigenous Tswana chickens under intensive management system. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 7(16), 2438–2445. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajar11.1220
Singh, P. K., & Sharma, A. (2016). Phenotypic characterization and documentation of animal genetic resources in India: A review. In Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (Vol. 82, Issue 12).
Smyth Jr, J. R. (1990). Genetics of plumage, skin and eye pigmentation in chickens. Developments in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 22, 109-167.
Yakubu, A., Kuje, D., & Okpeku, M. (2009). Principal Components as Measures of Size and Shape in Nigerian Indigenous Chickens. Www.Thaiagj.Org Thai Journal of Agricultural Science, 42(3), 167–176. www.thaiagj.org
Yakubu, A., Ogah, D., & Barde, R. (2008). Productivity and egg quality characteristics of free range naked neck and normal feathered Nigerian indigenous chickens. Journal of Poultry Science, 7(6), 579–585.
Yunusa, A. J., & Adeoti, T. M. (2014). Multivariate Analysis for Body Weight and Some Linear Body Measurements of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens. Slovak J. Anim. Sci., 2014(3), 142–148.
Adekoya, K. O., Oboh, B. O., Adefenwa, M. A., & Ogunkanmi, L. A. (2013). Morphological Characterization of Five Nigerian Indigenous Chicken Types. http://ir.unilag.edu.ng:8080/handle/123456789/3518
Ajayi, F. (2010). Nigerian Indigenous Chicken: A Valuable Genetic Resource for Meat and Egg Production. Article in Asian Journal of Poultry Science. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajpsaj.2010.164.172
Bekele, G., Kebede, K., & Ameha, N. (2015). On-farm Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Chicken and their Production System in Bench Maji Zone, South Western Ethiopia. Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 4(1), 68–73. https://doi.org/10.4314/STAR.V4I1.10
Dahloum, L., Moula, N., Halbouche, M., & Mignon-Grasteau, S. (2016). Phenotypic characterization of the indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus) in the northwest of Algeria. Archives Animal Breeding, 59 (1): 79–90.
Daikwo, S., Odah, E., Ogah, D., & Baba-onoja, E. (2018). Qualitative Traits Variation in Indigenous Chickens of Bekwarra, Nigeria. Asian Research Journal of Agriculture, 9(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.9734/arja/2018/41389
FAO. (2012). Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources. In FAO Animal Production and Health Guidelines: Vol. No 11.
Hailemichael, N. (2013). On-farm phenotypic characterization of indigenous chickens and chicken production system in southern zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia (Doctoral dissertation, MSc Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia. 106pp).
Halima, H., Neser, F. W. C., Van Marle-Koster, E., & De Kock, A. (2007). Phenotypic variation of native chicken populations in northwest Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 39(7), 507–513. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11250-007-9032-2
Harrison, S. J., Moono, M. B., & Odubote, I. K. (2024). Production Systems and Management Practices of Chicken Populations in Zambia. Sustainable Agriculture Research, 13(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.5539/sar.v13n1p61
Ige, A. O., Salako, A. E., Yakubu, A., Ojedapo, L. O., Adedeji, T. A., & Adeoti, T. M. (2012). Comparison and prediction of morphological characteristics of Frizzled Frizzled Feather and Naked Neck Chicken in Derived Savannah zone. Production Agriculture and Technology Journal, 8(2), 68-75.
Kanyama, C. . ., Moss, A. . ., & Crowley, T. . . (2022). Strategies of promoting sustainable use and conservation of indigenous chicken breeds in Zambia: lessons from low-income countries. F1000Research, 11, 251. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.75478.2
Liswaniso, S., Mweni, M., Moono, M. B., Nambeye, E., Mweni, M. W., Tyasi, T. L., Mufungwe, J., Chimbaka, I. M., & Harrison, S. (2024). Assessment of phenotypic diversity and morphometry of indigenous chickens in Kabwe District, Zambia https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.2.3278
Liswaniso, S., Qin, N., Shan, X., Sun, X., & Xu, R. (2023). Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Free Range Chickens in Kalomo, Zambia. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 33(3), 655–665. https://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2023.3.0658
Liyanage, R. P., Dematawewa, C. M. B., & Silva, G. L. L. P. (2015). Comparative Study on Morphological and Morphometric Features of Village Chicken in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 26(2), 261–273. http://fangrsl.org
Machete, J. B. (2023). Phenotypic and genetic characterization of different strains of indigenous Tswana chickens in Kweneng and southern districts of Botswana. https://researchhub.buan.ac.bw/handle/13049/711
Manyelo, T. G., Selaledi, L., Hassan, Z. M., & Mabelebele, M. (2020). Local Chicken Breeds of Africa: Their Description, Uses and Conservation Methods. Animals 2020, Vol. 10, Page 2257, 10(12), 2257. https://doi.org/10.3390/ANI10122257
Melesse, A., Maak, S., Schmidt, R., & von Lengerken, G. (2011). Effect of long-term heat stress on some performance traits and plasma enzyme activities in Naked-neck chickens and their F1 crosses with commercial layer breeds. Livestock Science, 141(2–3), 227–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.LIVSCI.2011.06.007
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. (2023). Livestock Survey Report Republic of Zambia.
Msoffe, P. L. M., Minga, U. M., Olsen, J. E., Yongolo, M. G. S., Juul-Madsen, H. R., Gwakisa, P. S., & Mtambo, M. M. A. (2001). Phenotypes including immunocompetence in scavenging local chicken ecotypes in Tanzania. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 33(4), 341–354. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010544221028/METRICS
Mwacharo, J. M., Bjørnstad, G., Han, J. L., & Hanotte, O. (2013). The History of African Village Chickens: An Archaeological and Molecular Perspective. African Archaeological Review, 30(1), 97–114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10437-013-9128-1
Padhi, M. K. (2016). Importance of Indigenous Breeds of Chicken for Rural Economy and Their Improvements for Higher Production Performance. Scientifica, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2604685
Patrick M. Kgwatalala. (2012). Growth performance of different strains of indigenous Tswana chickens under intensive management system. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 7(16), 2438–2445. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajar11.1220
Singh, P. K., & Sharma, A. (2016). Phenotypic characterization and documentation of animal genetic resources in India: A review. In Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (Vol. 82, Issue 12).
Smyth Jr, J. R. (1990). Genetics of plumage, skin and eye pigmentation in chickens. Developments in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 22, 109-167.
Yakubu, A., Kuje, D., & Okpeku, M. (2009). Principal Components as Measures of Size and Shape in Nigerian Indigenous Chickens. Www.Thaiagj.Org Thai Journal of Agricultural Science, 42(3), 167–176. www.thaiagj.org
Yakubu, A., Ogah, D., & Barde, R. (2008). Productivity and egg quality characteristics of free range naked neck and normal feathered Nigerian indigenous chickens. Journal of Poultry Science, 7(6), 579–585.
Yunusa, A. J., & Adeoti, T. M. (2014). Multivariate Analysis for Body Weight and Some Linear Body Measurements of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens. Slovak J. Anim. Sci., 2014(3), 142–148.
Published
2025-04-10
How to Cite
1.
Moono M, Mwenya W, Odubote K, Mwale M. Characterization of Qualitative and Quantitative Traits of Five Strains of Zambia Indigenous Chicken. Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences [Internet]. 10Apr.2025 [cited 12May2025];8(3). Available from: https://journals.unza.zm/index.php/JABS/article/view/1341
Section
Agriculture Sciences
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright: ©️ JABS. Articles in this journal are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.