Phenotypic Characterization of Indian Naked Neck Chicken Under Tropical Climatic Conditions

Abstract

The three naked neck broiler genotypes (NaNa, Nana and nana) were investigated for the effect of temperature on juvenile body weights, shank length, immune competence and carcass characteristics. Weekly body weights were recorded from day old to six weeks (n = 417). The body weights were significantly higher in naked neck genotypes (NaNa and Nana) at 4th, 5th and 6th week of age. Birds with NaNa and Nana genotype recorded significantly (p#0.05) higher weight gains during 4th (211.17 g) and 5th (207.96 g) week, respectively than nana genotype. The body weight gains were numerically higher at all ages either in NaNa or Nana genotypes without any significant difference. The shank length did not show any significant variation among the genotypes, which ranged from 78.54 mm in full feathered (nana) birds to 79.67 mm in heterozygous (Nana) population with an overall mean of 79.13 mm. Mean anti SRBC titre, anti NDV titre and response to PHA-P ranged from 3.55-5.6, 2.75-5.10 and 1.35-1.47 mm, respectively in different genetic groups. The dressing percentage was significantly higher in NaNa genotypes (71.96) than their normal (nana) siblings (69.66), which can be attributed to higher body weight and less losses due to lack of feathers in naked neck chicken. The liver, heart and gizzard weights are numerically higher in NaNa and Nana genotypes. The present study invariably concluded that Na gene in homozygous and heterozygous condition is more beneficial to exploit for better performance of Naked neck in tropical conditions.

Socio-economic Condition of Khadia Poultry Farmers and Phenotypic Characteristics of Khadia Chickenof Northern Odisha, India

“…The mortality of birds between 1 -8 weeks of age was 6-9 % whereas the mortality in 8-20 weeks age group was 5.47 % which corroborates the findings of Nandi et al, (2017) and Mohanta, et al, (2018). The shank length is very high in males (1.12 ± 0.22 cm) whereas the females have the normal shank (9.78 ± 0.24 cm) which is in line with Daikwo et al, (2011);Padhi et al, (2015); Reddy et al, (2015) and Das et al, (2016) who reported comparable shank length in females. The egg weight, adult body weight and shank length are better than the registered Hansli bird of Odisha (ICAR-NBAGR, 2018).…”

“…Other visible specific traits such as well-developed spur in adult males having fairly long neck with plenty of hackle feathers. The beak is fairly long, pointed at tip and light yellow in colour while wings are large in size well folded (Hailemichael et al, 2015;Hareesh and Guru Vishnu, 2015). The plumage colour of this bird is black breasted red and birchen while the registered breed Hansli is mostly black and solid (Eskindir et al, 2013).…”

“…India has 72.22 per cent of its population living in rural areas and 89 per cent rural livestock householder's rear native poultry as an important supplementary source of cash income (Khandait et al, 2011).Poultry production in India evolved from back yard venture to full-fledged poultry industry in last three decades (Reddy et al, 2015) Poultry plays an important role in human nutrition, national income, employment, and income generation in India. Meat and egg from native chicken is preferred by people because of its taste, leanness and pigmentation (Nigussie et al, 2015).…”

Comparative study of indigenous chickens on the basis of their health and performance

“…The heavier neck weight associated with the Na gene could be attributed to the feather reduction associated with this gene, consequently saving more protein for muscle weight as reported by other researchers ( Adedeji et al., 2006 , Galal et al., 2007 ). According to Reddy et al., (2015) , reduced feather coverage helps to improve and enhance heat dissipation and consequently alleviate the effects of heat on chickens reared in hot climates. In addition, reduced feathering saves on the amount of protein required to form feathers, and such protein that would have been used to form feather would now be used for meat tissue development.…”

Laying performance, immune response and antioxidant properties of hens segregating for naked neck and frizzle genes under low ambient temperature

“…On the other hand, the majority of relevant reports have shown that naked neck and frizzle genotypes have higher antibody production against SRBC under high ambient temperatures (Kundu et al 1999; https://doi.org/10.17221/221/2018-CJAS Fathi et al 2005Fathi et al , 2014Rajkumar et al 2010). A higher titre against NDV was observed in naked neck genotypes (NaNaff and Nanaff) compared to normal plumage (nanaff) under tropical climatic conditions (Reddy et al 2015).…”