Genetic and nutrition development of indigenous chicken in Africa

Abstract

This review gives insights into genetic and feeding regime development for indigenous chicken genetic resources. We highlight and combine confirming evidence of genetic diversity and variability using morphological and molecular techniques. We further discuss previous past and current genetic attempts to improve on reproduction and production traits in these genetic resources. We detail evidence of their importance on disease tolerance as well. Their utilization for improved productivity for directional selection, gene introgression and cross breeding scheme are discussed. We decipher nutrients requirement for indigenous chicken and report nutritive contents of various local feedstuffs under various production systems. Various conservation strategies for sustainable utilization are hereby reviewed.