Hilly chickens were characterized from January 2015 to September 2016 considering climate factors (light and heat). The experimental birds were divided into three groups (heat stress; light and control). The heat was generated in the chicken's shelter by a black shaded light (Lantern) for two to three hours more after sunset. A lighting device (Lantern) was kept in the chicken's shelter for the same period for increasing daylight duration. The individual chicken's egg production, egg weight and mature live weight were studied from onset of egg production. It was observed that reddish brown hilly type chicken produced more (100.80 no/year/chicken) and larger sized (43.21g) eggs than spotted chicken (83.4 no/year/chicken and 40.46g). Among the three treatments, the lighting group produced 7.71 and 5.60 more eggs than the control and heat stress group, and one hour lighting lengths increased egg production 4 to 5.8%. Fifty-five blood samples were collected, and DNA was isolated from whole blood. For genetic characterization, 10 microsatellites markers from FAO recommendation list were used in this study. PCR amplification was performed in an MJ PTC-200 Peltier Thermal Cycler. The gene flow among breeds and genetic differentiation was assessed by computing between-breed genetic parameters: molecular co-ancestry (fij). It was found that genetic diversity of these two types of chickens was moderate. Results indicated that they were originated from the same ancestor. Therefore, priority should be given for implementation of appropriate breeding programme and strategies are necessary to avoid loss of genetic diversity.
The best performer hilly chickens in consideration of light and heat were assessed under rural conditions. Based on the survey, the chickens and farm household were selected. The chickens were provided supplementations of concentrate feed (50g/chicken/day). The selected chickens were divided into 3 groups (heat stress, light and control) for the study of their egg production potential. Heat was generated in the chicken's shelter by keeping a black shaded light (Lantern) for 2 to 3 h more after sunset. A lighting device (Lantern) was kept in the chicken's shelter for 2 to 3 h more after sunset for increasing the duration of day light. Temperature and humidity index was calculated from the recorded temperature and humidity. The individual chicken's egg production, egg weight and mature live weight were studied for different types of hilly and non-descriptive desi chickens. It was observed that hilly chickensproduced more eggs than desi. The hen house egg production percentage (19.95%) and yearly egg production (90no/year/chicken) of desi white was significantly higher than spotted hilly (17.29% and 83.4 no egg, respectively) but reddish brown hilly type produced more number (100.80 no/year/chicken) of eggs than all types. The egg weight varied from 41.27 g to 43.85 g. Mature live weight were significantly different between hilly and desi(1438.70 g vs 1309.27 g). Among the 3 treatments, the lighting group hilly chickens produced 7.71 and 5.60 more eggs than control and heat stress group, respectively. One hour lighting length increased egg production by 4 to 5.8%.
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