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*Landraces - Traditional Variety and Natural Breed*

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**137**

**Chapter 8**

Concerns

**Abstract**

*Cosmas Chikezie Ogbu*

conservation of NIC genetic resources.

**1. Introduction**

**Keywords:** indigenous chickens, ecotypes, chicken genetic resources,

Indigenous chicken biodiversity encompasses the genetic variants within and between native chickens distributed around the world [1]. They are domesticated but unselected and unimproved autochthonous populations characterized by tremendous variation in physical, genetic, and productive attributes [2, 3] and known by various native names; and whose attributes are best described by farmers in their home communities. Native chicken population is vital in the livelihood of resource poor house-holds and marginal rural communities in Africa, providing nutrition, cash flow reserve, recreation and cultural roles [4]. In Nigeria, ICs makeup about 80% of poultry population [5, 6]. The Nigerian indigenous chicken (NIC) is classified into three major phenotypes with regards to body weight. Dwarf, normal, and heavy types are generally distinguished [7] but more recent classifications

genetic diversity, ex situ conservation, in situ conservation

Utilization and Conservation of

The Nigerian indigenous chickens (NICs) are a critical component of the global animal genetic resources. They are distributed in rural areas, kept by the majority of the rural poor. They constitute different strains, or ecotypes local to tribes, regions, or ecological zones and are valued for their disease resistance, adaptation, and yield of valuable products and income on marginal inputs making them a low risk species. They are hence a unique and vital genetic resource and gene pool for present and long-term genetic improvement and human need for food and sustenance. The NIC is however; threatened by extinction owing to neglect, negative selection, breed substitution, and genetic introgression. There is need to draw research and policy attention to the conservation of NICs in accord with the global effort for the conservation of indigenous chickens which is probably the most neglected among farm animal species. The present review therefore, focuses on the physical and performance characteristics, genetic diversity and improvement, utilization and

Landrace Chickens of Nigeria:

Physical and Performance

Characteristics, Issues and
