The study was aimed to identify, characterize and describe the phenotypic variation of indigenous goose populations in Bangladesh. The research was conducted at Sylhet Sadar Upazilla in Sylhet district and encompassed about 141 geese (74 brown type and 67 white type). Least Square Mean ± SE of body length, wing span, shank length, beak length and head length of mature indigenous goose were 73.47 ± 0.95, 134.53 ± 1.38, 9.27 ± 0.09, 8.88 ± 0.10 and 6.42 ± 0.02 cm, respectively. Males were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than their female counterparts for all morphometric traits but no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between two types. The body weight of indigenous goose at day old, 2-week, 1-month, 2-month and 10-month of age were 95.45 ± 0.88, 148.59 ± 1.55, 407.34 ± 7.27 gm, 1.19 ± 0.03 kg and 3.65 ± 0.06 kg, respectively. Males were significantly (p < 0.01) heavier than females in all age groups except day old gosling but no significant difference (p > 0.05) were observed for body weights between two types of goose. Egg weight, egg length, egg width, incubation period, clutch size, number of eggs in a breeding season and age at first egg were 131.85 ± 1.70 gm, 7.40 ± 0.02 cm, 5.22 ± 0.02 cm, 30.30 ± 0.07 days, 7.42 ± 0.08, 20.52 ± 0.38 and 313.22 ± 3.03 days, respectively. The number of eggs in a breeding season of brown type were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of white type goose. This study provides a bench mark for the morphometric traits and performance of goose in Bangladesh.

The Pirot sheep is a small Zackel that has been developed in the region of Pirot and the neighbouring municipalities in Serbia. Pirot sheep population has been reduced to only 60 animals in the Republic of Serbia. An overview of qualitative phenotypical and morphometrical characteristics of Pirot sheep from the Stara Planina is presented in this paper. The sheep included in this study belong to the last flock of the breed. The evaluation aims to obtain the phenotypical description of this indigenous breed as a phase of preservation strategy. Therefore, a total of 51 ewes and two rams were measured to obtain the detailed data concerning conformation. The phenotypical characteristics of animals included were also described. Based on the results, the Pirot sheep is a small breed with compact, slightly rectangular body frame (body length 115.40 percent of height at withers). The investigated sheep population was homogeneous, and morphological variations were limited to the data obtained in our research. The differences detected among different age groups were significant and reflected late maturing and slow growth of individuals. The comparison of the data determined by the evaluation of the modern population of Pirot sheep with the description from the older literature did not reveal that many significant changes of the morphological characteristics have occurred during the last 30 years. The small effective population and increasing inbreeding can threaten the efforts to preserve this sheep. The cultural heritage of the local community is also in danger due to the fact that the cornerstones of rural tradition in the area have been production of the three nationally important agricultural brands in Serbia – Pirot kilim (Pirot rug), Pirot/Stara Planina lamb and Pirot/Stara Planina Kachkaval cheese, all of which are depending on the Pirot sheep breeding. Additionally, some problems affecting the preservation of animal genetic resources in Serbia are reviewed with the focus on the Stara Planina. The research indicated that ex situ conservation should also be considered in the case of the Pirot sheep.

The Vogan sheep (VS), a crossbreed between Djallonke sheep (DS) and sahelian sheep (SS), is a unique sheep breed in Togo. It is highly valued for its performances but its breeding is very localized in southeastern of Togo. The objective of this study was to update the breed's phenotypic characterization and to compare VS phenotypic features with those of parental populations (DS and SS). For this purpose, morphological data were collected in January 2013 from 206 animals in Vô, Kloto and Agou prefectures (Togo) and in May 2013 from 30 SS in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). Results showed that the coat colour was very variable. Horn shape was also variable but was generally prismatic and outward-oriented, present in all rams and fine or remains of them in ewes. Quantitative traits such as height at withers, body length, chest circumference, tail length, ear length, space between the horns and chest depth showed that VS traits are smaller than SS traits but are significantly superior when compared to DS traits. Most VS characters were influenced by geographic location (p < 0,05). This study confirmed the “intermediate” status of VS. The sustainable use of VS needs molecular characterization and a dissemination programme.

Poultry biodiversity conservation is a great challenge for many countries. Within the last several years, the number of endangered local breeds has increased, leading to a considerable loss of genetic resources. A similar trend was observed among the poultry breeds, including chicken, local turkey and goose breeds/lines established in Bulgaria, part of which is definitely lost. Currently these breeds/lines are at risk and/or threatened with extinction. The information obtained by phenotypic characterization of these breeds is the first step for planning the management of poultry genetic resources through setting up improved selection schemes and conservation strategies. In this paper, we reviewed the current state of knowledge regarding the morphological and phenotypic diversity of local poultry breeds and some old productive poultry lines in Bulgaria.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 large and small islands & islets in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. This preliminary study reports on husbandry practices and phenotypic characterization of indigenous Nicobari pig, in its home tract (Nicobar group of islands). A total of 377 families were surveyed in randomly selected villages on Car Nicobar, Nancowrie, Teressa, Katchal and Chowra islands. Results of the study revealed that Nicobari pigs were mostly semi feral in nature and reared under a free range system. Pigs were fed mainly with coconut and other locally available resources. The Nicobari pigs appeared short with long body. They showed high prolificacy with an average litter size of 8–10 numbers. These pigs were considered as a family asset among the Nicobari tribe. No commercial farms and slaughter was practiced by the tribes. It is concluded that the Nicobari pigs are considered as an indigenous pig breed/germplasm (Sus scrofa Nicobaricus) belonging to this island territory. Owing to its adaptation and performance under resource-driven island ecosystem, Nicobari pig warrants conservation and improvement. In addition, genetic characterization this pig using SNP would help to confirm their genetic distinctiveness and recognition as a new breed for conservation and sustainable utilization.

The objective of this study was to characterize the native chickens reared in three agro-ecological zones of Southeastern Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Data on visual appraisal and linear body measurements were obtained from a total of 600 matured local chickens of both sexes drawn from 240 households. The results indicated that the average flock size, age at first egg of hens and eggs produced per clutch were 11.9 heads, 6.2 months and 15.4 eggs, respectively. The majority of the male chicken possessed snake head shape (60.7 percent) and most of them had rose combs (57.9 percent), red feather plumage (46.1 percent), yellow shanks (86.3 percent), red earlobes (84.2 percent) and yellow skin (56.8 percent). Majority of the hens possessed single combs (43.5 percent), red earlobes (77.3 percent), yellow shanks (44.4 percent), yellowish brown feather (27.4 percent) followed by red (24.2 percent) and black (21.2 percent). The cocks were generally heavier (1.39 kg) than the hens (1.22 kg). The average values for breast angle (degrees), body length, body width, shank length, shank circumference, keel bone length, wing span, comb length and beak length of the cocks were 45.9, 24.1, 24.9, 7.43, 3.86, 9.63, 7.99, 4.86 and 1.91 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for the hens were 40.2, 22.7, 23.8, 7.43, 3.46, 8.95, 7.40, 2.47 and 1.71. The values for wing span, comb length, beak length, body weight, breast angle and keel bone length differed (P < 0.05) across the agro-ecologies. The best predictor for assessing the body weight of hens was breast angle and body length, whereas in the cocks it was best estimated using breast angle and shank circumference values. The present study suggests that indigenous chickens in the study area possess useful economic traits that could be improved through systematic breeding for enhanced productivity under scavenging production systems.

The survey, which had for its main objective, the morphobiometrical characterization of the local chicken was carried out from December 2010 to March 2011 in 20 villages in Lobaye Division in the Central African Republic. It was carried out on 474 adult females and 183 adult males. The main results show that the morphological features are very heterogeneous. Indeed, five main types of feathering were observed: normal feathering (75.8%), crested type (10.4%), naked neck (7.0%), feathered tarsus (5.9%) and frizzle type (2.3%). The colouration of feathers is heterogeneous, with a predominance of the white (18.0%), wild (13.4%) and mahogany (11.1%) colours. The single comb is more frequent (95.8%), and is generally red (33.8%) or pink in colour (55.1%). Earlobes are red (24.7%), white (24.0%), white centred (18.1%), yellow (16.1%) or pink (14.6%). The wattles are mainly red (55.4%) or pink (35.2%). The tarsi are mainly yellow (40.6%) or white (37.9%). With regard to the biometric characteristics, the average weight of the local chicken of Lobaye is 1176 ± 206 g for females and 1514 ± 296 g for males. The live weight and most body measurements vary according to the sex and the feathering type. The live weight and the body measurements are significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the males. In the same way, the animals with feathered tarsi are heavier and bigger than the other phenotypes.

Characterization of indigenous animal genetic resources is a first step in providing much needed information for the conservation and utilization of useful genotypes for future needs. The study was undertaken to estimate heritability of traits of economic importance in local chicken populations from the forest and savannah zones of Ghana. A restricted maximum likelihood animal model was applied to growth data of local chickens from hatch to 40 weeks to estimate heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlations of body weight and shank length. Heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlations were also calculated for egg number and egg weight. High genetic and phenotypic correlations were obtained between body weight and shank length. Average heritability estimates were 0.54, 0.42, 0.30 and 0.47 for body weight, shank length, egg number and egg weight, respectively. These moderate-to-high heritability estimates indicate that these traits could be targeted in genetic improvement programmes for local chickens.

The study pertains to phenotypic characterization of some breeds of duck (common white duck and Indian runner duck), Muscovy ducks (black and white feathered and sepia feathered) besides two breeds of geese (white and brown feathered and white feathered) reared in the state of West Bengal (India). The study was conducted at five locations of the state and comprised 1395 ducks and 600 geese. The data were analysed statistically using mainly descriptive statistics, the differences in mean were analysed using Duncan's multiple range test. Both qualitative and quantitative traits were considered in the study. The qualitative traits were shank colour, bill colour, colour of the feathers, skin colour, egg shell colour, the presence or absence of beans, body carriage, bill type and colour of the eyes, while the quantitative traits included in the study were weight of the ducks and weight of the eggs. Some production traits such as numbers of eggs laid per year and dressing percentage of the drakes and ganders of each breed too have been studied. The ducks and geese are raised under semi-intensive management system and mostly depend on scavenging for their nutritional needs. This results in poor egg production and at times loss of stock because of diseases. The study regarding average egg production indicated that the Muscovy ducks and the geese have poor egg production, whereas the Indian runner followed by the common white duck are potentially the best. The ducks are important source of earnings for the small holder farmers and are raised both for meat and eggs, while the geese are reared mostly for ornamental purpose. However, the populations of the ducks are fast dwindling because of avian influenza in the region and because restocking is mostly being carried out with less adapted Khaki Campbell ducks. This happens mainly because the government farms that were responsible for providing the ducklings for restocking maintain Khaki Campbell ducks and do not have the parental stock of the native duck breeds, while restocking of the Muscovy ducks and geese are carried out by the rearers themselves. There are also no prevailing breeding programmes to conserve, select, maintain and distribute the native breeds of duck and geese. Hence, it is of earnest importance to conserve the avian genetic resources before the population dwindles further.

An exploratory survey of local cattle populations of Gamo Goffa Zone in south-western Ethiopia was conducted between April 2011 and May 2012 to identify and phenotypically characterize cattle populations. Ten focus group discussions with key informants as well as phenotypic data from sample mature animals were used to generate data, including quantitative trait data from 560 animals and qualitative trait data from 867 animals. Findings from focus group discussions revealed that, even if local cattle are found widely distributed throughout the study area, they are not known by any common name or breed type. Results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) on continuous variables showed significant (P < 0.0001) differences between sites. Tukey's multiple mean comparison test showed that each quantitative traits were significant (P < 0.0001) for sites. Chi-square test was also significant (P < 0.0001) for most of the categorical variables per sites. Based on a discriminant analysis, sample populations were classified into their respective sites with overall hitting rate was 63.15 percent for females and 74.89 percent for males. Canonical discriminant (CANDISC) analysis showed quantitative traits and Mahalanobis' distances between sites were significant (P < 0.0001). The stepwise discriminant (STEPDISC) analysis for both populations showed that most variables had significant (P < 0.0001) power in explaining phenotypic variation. These information from focus group discussions and phenotypic variation analyses led to identification of two cattle populations that deemed to be distinct breed types (Gamo highland and lowland). Thus, indigenous cattle population of the study area was not homogenous on their phenotypic features, and further genetic characterization should be done to confirm their genetic distinctiveness.

Information on morphological characteristics is a prerequisite to sustainable breed improvement, utilization and conservation. The present study was initiated to describe the physical and morphological characteristics of indigenous sheep reared in Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte, Gamogofa and Wolaita zones of Southern Regional State of Ethiopia. Data on the assessment of qualitative characters and linear body measurements were obtained from a total of 3966 sheep that were drawn from 928 households. The results indicated that the most common tail form in the Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte and Wolaita sheep was of long fat type ending with a straight tip, whereas that of Gamogofa sheep was long thin tail ending with a curve tip. Hair coat colour pattern was mainly plain followed by patchy. The common hair of sheep in all studied zones was short and smooth. Sheep from Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya and Gurage-Silte were devoid of wattle and ruff. Rams of Gurage-Silte and Wolaita had higher (P < 0.05) body weight values than those of other locations. Ewes of Sidama-Gedeo and Wolaita had relatively high (P < 0.05) body weight, whereas those of Gurage-Silte, Gamogofa and Wolaita had significantly high chest girth values. Gurage-Silte and Gamogofa rams had large (P < 0.05) chest girth values. The height at withers was high (P < 0.05) for both sexes in Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya and Wolaita sheep. The highest body length was obtained from Wolaita rams, followed by Gamogofa and Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya rams, whereas the lowest body length was obtained from Gurage-Silte rams. Ewes of Sidama-Gedeo had higher (P < 0.05) body length values than those of other zones. The dendrogram indicated a close association among the sheep of Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte and Sidama-Gedeo. However, sheep in Wolaita and Gamogofa were more distantly associated with those of the three zones. It can be concluded that the sheep in the study zones may possess unique adaptive features useful in designing sustainable sheep improvement strategies. However, a molecular-based genetic assessment of the population structure found in the study region might be given due consideration.

Phenotypic characterization of indigenous chicken resources is a prerequisite for their rational utilization. Data were collected from 748 randomly selected households (HHs) using structured questionnaires. Visual appraisal was conducted to study morphological traits of indigenous chicken populations. Quantitative data were collected on body weight and shank length from both sexes. The results indicated that 55.0 percent of chicken populations were single combed followed by rose (28.5 percent) and pea (15.2 percent) combs. Yellow was the major shank colour (52.5 percent), followed by white (29.1 percent) and black (14.7 percent). About 46.4, 34.2 and 19.4 percent of chicken populations exhibited red, white and yellow earlobes, respectively. The predominant plumage colour was Kei (36.6 percent) followed by Tikur (20.7 percent), Gebsima (15.3 percent), Netch (12.3 percent), Kokima (8.4 percent), Wosera (3.7 percent), Zigrima (1.7 percent) and Zagolima (1.3 percent). The highest adult body weight was found in Naked-neck chickens (1.7 kg), followed by Kei (1.5 kg), Gebsima (1.45 kg) and Wosera (1.46 kg). The Naked-neck and Wosera males had the longest shank of 115 and 113 mm, respectively. Kei male chickens had large body weight shank length ratio compared with other indigenous chickens. The present study suggests that indigenous chicken populations might possess useful genetic potentials for improved productivity under scavenging feed resource-based production systems.

Pigs are the most important livestock species in Papua New Guinea (PNG) from economic as well as cultural perspectives. Most of the estimated population of 1.8 million pigs are maintained by smallholder farmers. The genetic attributes, differentiation and production capacities of indigenous pigs are largely unknown. But the rich socio-cultural diversity of rural communities living in geographically isolated pristine environments, with long and strong attachments with indigenous pigs implies that indigenous pigs may harbour unique genetic diversity. This study reports preliminary survey of indigenous pigs sampled from major pig farming areas of the country as part of a South Asia-wide regional indigenous pig genetic diversity study. It assesses farmers’ perceptions about the origin, population trend and utility value of indigenous pigs, as well as their trait preferences. Average herd sizes and external physical forms and appearances of pigs are described. About 19 percent of the sampled indigenous pigs were identified through pedigree checks to have an admixtured genotype with some distant indigenous or exotic parentage. The importance of indigenous pig genetic resources in PNG requires a policy and legislative framework to support sustainable utilization. As a first step in informing such development, a comprehensive molecular genetic study is required to elucidate the genetic attributes of this unique genetic resource.

Ganjam is an important sheep breed in the Orissa State in the eastern region of India. They are reared mainly for meat. The present study was conducted to characterize the Ganjam breed both phenotypically and genotypically at the DNA level using microsatellite markers. A survey was conducted in the breeding tract to study the habitat, body biometry, management practices and reproductive and productive performance of Ganjam sheep. A total of 604 animals were studied for morphological characteristics. The animals are medium sized with hairy fleece. Their coat colour varies from brown to dark tan. The average flock size is 35. Measurements were recorded for body weight, body length, height at withers, chest girth, ear length and horn length in 366 adult animals. A set of 25 microsatellite markers was used to assess the genetic variability in 50 DNA samples extracted from randomly collected blood samples of unrelated Ganjam sheep across their breeding tract. A total of 137 alleles were identified across the 25 markers. The allele diversity (5.48), mean observed heterozygosity (0.623) and gene diversity (0.685) estimates elucidated substantial genetic diversity within the Ganjam breed. The Mode Shift Test implied that a reduction in the effective population size or a recent genetic bottleneck was very unlikely in this indigenous breed of sheep. The within population inbreeding estimate values for the investigated population (0.087) showed a low rate of inbreeding.