MORPHOMETRIC AND QUALITATIVE TRAITS OF NATIVE CHICKENS IN AYUNGON, NEGROS ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Eighty (80) native chickens kept by small-hold farmers in mountain barangays of Ayungon, Negros Oriental, Philippines were sampled to determine phenotypic characteristics using the protocol of FAO (2012). Results showed that native chickens found in the area had high physical uniformity in terms of plumage pattern, comb type, skin and earlobe color. Comparison of morphological traits between males and females showed significant dimorphism in body weight (P<0.01) while no differences were observed in terms of age, body length, chest circumference, wingspan, and shank length. Further, body weight was found to be significantly correlated with body length (r=0.44), the circumference of the chest (r=0.59) and shank length (r=0.24). All other morphometric traits were not significantly correlated. The results of this study could provide valuable inputs to the purification of a potentially novel genetic group of native chickens from Negros Oriental.