study on the quantitative and morphological characteristics of native chicken in bangladesh

• DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.276551
• Publication Date: 2006-01-01
• Authors: Azmal, S. A.; Islam, M. N.; Rashid, M. A.; Bhuiyan, A. A.; Azmal, S. A.; Islam, M. N.; Rashid, M. A.; Bhuiyan, A. A.
• Keywords: Productivity Analysis; Body measurements; Bangladesh; Livestock Production/Industries; Morphological characteristics; Local chicken

Eight hundred and fifty local chickens were studied for morphological characterization from some representative local markets/villages of nine-selected districts of Bangladesh. These chickens were sexually matured but different in sizes and unknown ages. Morphological traits were described based on visual observations and body measurements. Results showed that globally, local chicken in Bangladesh has white skin, yellow coloured eyes, yellow coloured tursus, red coloured earlobes, black cloured beak and red wattles. The feathering of their neck and body is normal but becomes thicker`at the sickles and main tails which are well developed in cocks. The head is round and presents a normalsized beak, a single type comb, round wattles and non-feathered cheek. Moreover, this fowl presents a lower meaty breast, a flat back and a medium developed thigh. Its feet have four toes even though some females have a well developed spurs. On the average, except for the beak length, there is a sexual dimorphism in favour of cocks for the main body measurements. The traits described above show the natural diversity of adaptation as well as the selection and improvement potentials of local chickens in Bangladesh.