On-farm investigation of local chicken biodiversity and performance potentials in rural areas of Jordan

Abstract

On-farm surveys were conducted to investigate the biodiversity of local chickens and their performance potential. The study was carried out in rural areas of northern Jordan. A sample of 846 adult local chickens was phenotypically characterized based on morphology, feather colors, comb shape and performance. Body measurements for cluster analyses were recorded on 460 adult females. The most predominant chicken type was the Jordan Baladi (67.3%) followed by the Pakistani (27.7%) and the Brahma (5%). Cluster analyses showed that the three populations are distinct. The Jordan Baladi and the Pakistani were closer to each other than the Brahma. Plumage colors were observed either as single color or mottled (a mix of many colors). The latter was the most predominant (23.1 %) followed by black (19.5%) and light brownish (19.1%). The single comb type was the most predominant (80.3%). Hens of the local chicken reached sexual maturity at about 22-30 weeks of age. The average clutch number was 1-5 per year, with 18-30 eggs per clutch. Each hen laid on average 68.9±3.3 eggs per year. The body size of adult females and males was about 1 240±10g and 1 890±30g, respectively. Indiscriminate crossbreeding was taking place frequently. Genetic characterization would complement the phenotypic characterization and should be conducted. This would help to initiate a program for the preservation of genetic diversity in local chickens in Jordan.