PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIGENOUS FREE RANGE CHICKENS IN KALOMO, ZAMBIA

The study was conducted in Kalomo district of Zambia to phenotypically characterize indigenous chickens in the area in order to initiate the base for strategic improvement of the indigenous chickens. In this study, 476 chickens (245 males and 231 females) were used. The phenotypes were recorded through observation by the researcher while quantitative traits were measured using the tailor’s measuring tape as guided by the FAO guide. Out of 476 birds, 85.29% had normal feathers. The most common shank color was gray-blue (29.41%) with the single comb type being the most dominant (91.18%). The red-white earlobe color was predominant (44.12%). Brown eyed chickens were the most common (52.93%). Body weight was taken using a digital scale. There was a significant difference (P˂0.05) in body weight between males and females, males being heavier than the females (2331±587grams and 1586±245grams, respectively). The overall average body weight was 1969±589grams. There was significant (P˂0.05) positive correlation between all linear body measurements with body weight. Two principal components PC1 (54.50%) and PC2 (11.28%) were extracted which both cumulatively accounted for 65.78% of the total variability. The first principal component accounted for 54.50% of variance and had high significant loadings on all body measurements except for shank circumference. We, therefore, theorize that PC1 can be exploited as selection standards for body weight improvement in Zambian indigenous chickens. The many variations found in this study indicated the huge potential that indigenous chickens have for improvements through selection and good breeding strategies