Local Chicken Breeds of Africa: Their Description, Uses and Conservation Methods
| Autor: | Tlou Grace Manyelo, Letlhogonolo Andrew Selaledi, Zahra Mohammed Hassan, M. Mabelebele |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
animal structures
040301 veterinary sciences poverty Review Indigenous 0403 veterinary science lcsh:Zoology lcsh:QL1-991 Socioeconomics Productivity lcsh:Veterinary medicine General Veterinary Poverty business.industry 0402 animal and dairy science conservation 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences Livelihood 040201 dairy & animal science Geography nutrition Agriculture Research council breeding embryonic structures chickens lcsh:SF600-1100 Animal Science and Zoology business |
| Zdroj: | Animals, Vol 10, Iss 2257, p 2257 (2020) Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI |
| ISSN: | 2076-2615 |
| Popis: | Simple Summary In African countries, there has been little effort to conserve the local chicken breeds or lines. These chickens are hardy and provide a valuable protein source to rural households. Even though these chickens are resistant to disease, they are associated with low productivity. However, any improvement in the productivity of local chickens would require close attention to nutritional, breeding and health aspects. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to provide a detailed understanding on description, uses and conservation methods of local chicken breeds of Africa. In conclusion, this review will highlight information for stakeholders to enable them to make informed decisions on local chicken breed diversification, conservation, and improved production through efficient management, breeding, and nutrition practices. Abstract There has been a research gap in the genetic, physiological, and nutritional aspects of indigenous chickens of Africa over the past decade. These chickens are known to be economically, socially, and culturally important to the people of Africa, especially those from marginalised communities. Although they are associated with poor productivity in terms of the number of eggs laid, most consumers prefer their flavoursome meat. Several local chickens have been classified into breeds or ecotypes, but many remain unidentified and are facing extinction. To prevent this, the Food and Agriculture Organization has launched an indigenous poultry conservation programme. In addition, the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa has established a programme to protect four local chicken breeds. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed understanding of the description, uses and conservation methods of local chicken breeds of Africa. Several studies have been conducted on the nutritional requirements of local chickens, but the results were inconclusive and contradictory. This review concludes that local chickens play a significant role in improving livelihoods, and strategies to preserve and sustain them must be intensified. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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