**1. Introduction**

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

recognize two broad body weight categories namely light body weight, and heavy body weight [8]. Plumage or feather color (pigmentation) include black, brown, gray, ash, white, red, and mottled; various color combinations [9–12] and feather patterns. Feather distribution is predominantly complete but limited in some phenotypes such as naked neck, frizzle, and short flight feather types [7]. Feather structure is predominantly normal, and seldom frizzle and silky [7]. Comb type is mostly single but rose, pea, walnut, duplex, and crest phenotypes also occur in decreasing frequencies [13–15]. Ear lobe is mostly present but absent in some dwarf ecotypes and color is mostly red or white. Wattle color is red or white while shank and skin color is often white or yellow but could be grayish, ash, blackish or bluish [9, 12, 13]. Beak color could be white, yellow, brown, or black. Some of the major physical attributes reflect environmental adaptations such as large comb, limited feather distribution, and frizzle feather structure for enhanced heat dissipation and body temperature regulation [16].

The genetic background of body size, feather structure and distribution are body size genes (DW/dw), plumage distribution genes (Na/na), feather structure genes (F/f), and numerous plumage color and color pattern genes [6, 16–18]. Morphological, physical, and performance characteristics along with biochemical, and molecular markers have been employed for genetic diversity evaluation in ICs [19–21]. Results indicate that NICs are a unique and vital genetic resource and gene pool for present and future production and breeding imperatives. The NIC is however; threatened by extinction owing to under valuation and utilization, diseases, predation, negative selection, breed substitution and genetic dilution, necessitating urgent action by research and policy makers towards the conservation of native chickens which is probably the most neglected farm animal genetic resources [16, 22–24]. The present study aims to collate information on qualitative and quantitative trait characteristics and variation, genetic diversity and improvement, and conservation issues and concerns of NICs, to draw attention to the extent of IC biodiversity and the need for action to improve the production, utilization, valuation and conservation of Nigerian's landrace chickens.

## **2. Physical and qualitative attributes of Nigerian indigenous chickens**

Physical and qualitative trait evaluation reflects the effects of genes, and the impact of the environment; and enhances the understanding of local adaptations, which impact performance [14, 25]. Natural selection as well as mutations could throw up unique phenotypes, genes, and genotypes that have special adaptation and utility in specific environments. Characterization of the physical and qualitative traits for local adaptations facilitates selection for traits that enhance fitness and performance [13, 14]. Variation in physical and qualitative traits of NICs is expected given the diverse agro ecological climates, centuries of migration and interbreeding, natural and man-made challenges including disease, predation, and negative selection to which ICs have been subjected [6, 7, 16, 26].

#### **2.1 Plumage type, distribution, color, and color patterns in Nigerian indigenous chickens**

Plumage type (smooth plumage and frizzle plumage) and plumage distribution (complete plumage and naked neck) are genetically determined. The genetic background of plumage type is the autosomal dominant frizzle (F) and recessive smooth (f) feathering genes while the genetic basis of feather distribution is the autosomal dominant naked neck (Na) and recessive complete feathering (na)

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*Utilization and Conservation of Landrace Chickens of Nigeria: Physical and Performance…*

genes. Two forms of genetically determined melanin pigment (eumelanin and pheomelanin) define plumage color [27, 28] but the genetic background of plumage color in ICs is very complex. Generally, the e locus genes or alleles, secondary pattern genes, eumelanin enhancers or melanizers, eumelanin restrictors (generally called Columbian restrictors), eumelanin diluters or demelanizers, pheomelanin intensifiers or red enhancers, and pheomelanin diluters or gold diluters essentially

The degree of expression of the e locus genes and secondary color/pattern genes determine the degree of melanization and hence deviation from ground color [28]. In the absence of pigmentation, plumage color is called silver which looks white. In wild type phenotype, the ground color is yellow to brown called gold and the presence of red enhancers boosts (intensifies) gold to a (dark) red color while presence of red diluters dilutes (tones) gold to a yellow, cream or lemon color [30]. The ground color can hence be silver, cream, yellow, gold, brown, or red, depending on

The typical free range IC closely approximates the wild type (Red jungle fowl) plumage phenotype (most likely genotype) and is sexually dimorphic in plumage color; hens being more ground colored than roosters [30]. A significant deviation of today's ICs from the classical phenotype is expected owing to centuries of migration, natural selection (including predation mostly directed at chickens having brightly colored plumage), negative selection to fulfill cultural and ritual roles, intensification of production and artificial selection by man (increasing expression of the 'domesticated phenotype') [31, 32], and interbreeding between phenotypes (also genotypes). Consequently, plumage color phenotypes reported for adult NICs range from full ground color to full black color. Findings however, vary by source of samples (on-farm vs. market samples), system of production (intensive vs. semi-intensive vs. extensive) due to differences in flock structure (male:female; adult:grower), and environmental effects on plumage genotype and phenotype [32]. In heavy ecotype (HE) ICs, [33] reported plumage color as white, white and black, gold and black, black, barred, brown, brown and black, gold, and gold and brown. Indigenous chickens assembled from local markets within Makurdi and environ in Benue State, Northcentral Nigeria revealed black, light brown, white, spotted, and mottled phenotypes at 32.22, 12.22, 7.78, 21.11 and 26.67%, respectively [9]. In 2420 mature ICs from 100 farm families in Dekina, Kogi State, Northcentral Nigeria [10] observed plumage colors of brown, brown and black, black, black with white, white, and brown with black and white at 41.75, 35.5, 10.25, 6.50, 2.75, and 3.25%, respectively. Within Yoruba and Fulani ecotypes belonging to households in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria [11] observed plumage colors of white, black, brown, ash, red, and yellow in 15.07 and 20.6, 25.67 and 31.55, 9.34 and 10.69, 9.42 and 6.52, 9.11 and 12.13, and 0.00 and 2.35%, for Yoruba and Fulani ecotypes, respectively. Whitish brown and multicolor plumages were observed in 31.4 and 13.3%, and 0.00 and 2.87% of chickens, respectively. In 7091 ICs (2467 males and 4624 females reared semi-intensively) from rural households in Gwer-West, Benue State, Nigeria, [13] observed complete white, brown, and black; brown with black spotting, black with white spotting, and white with black spotting phenotypes in 15.55, 12.71, and 19.79; 12.89, 29.01, and 10.05%, respectively. In a population of Tiv and Fulani ICs reared intensively at Ekpehe in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria, [14] reported nine plumage colors made up of three single or solid colors (brown, 11.54%, black, 3.85%, and light brown, 7.69%) and six color combinations (silver with brown, 6.25%; mottled brown, 19.20%; mottled black, 11.54%; black with brown, 23.08%; mixed gray, 3.85%, and mottled white, 3.85%) in the Tiv chickens. Within the Fulani ecotype, brown, white, and black were the solid colors at frequencies of 17.31, 3.08, and 5.77%, respectively while mixed colors included

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96580*

determine plumage color and color pattern [29, 30].

the presence and dose of pheomelanin modifying genes [30].

#### *Utilization and Conservation of Landrace Chickens of Nigeria: Physical and Performance… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96580*

genes. Two forms of genetically determined melanin pigment (eumelanin and pheomelanin) define plumage color [27, 28] but the genetic background of plumage color in ICs is very complex. Generally, the e locus genes or alleles, secondary pattern genes, eumelanin enhancers or melanizers, eumelanin restrictors (generally called Columbian restrictors), eumelanin diluters or demelanizers, pheomelanin intensifiers or red enhancers, and pheomelanin diluters or gold diluters essentially determine plumage color and color pattern [29, 30].

The degree of expression of the e locus genes and secondary color/pattern genes determine the degree of melanization and hence deviation from ground color [28]. In the absence of pigmentation, plumage color is called silver which looks white. In wild type phenotype, the ground color is yellow to brown called gold and the presence of red enhancers boosts (intensifies) gold to a (dark) red color while presence of red diluters dilutes (tones) gold to a yellow, cream or lemon color [30]. The ground color can hence be silver, cream, yellow, gold, brown, or red, depending on the presence and dose of pheomelanin modifying genes [30].

The typical free range IC closely approximates the wild type (Red jungle fowl) plumage phenotype (most likely genotype) and is sexually dimorphic in plumage color; hens being more ground colored than roosters [30]. A significant deviation of today's ICs from the classical phenotype is expected owing to centuries of migration, natural selection (including predation mostly directed at chickens having brightly colored plumage), negative selection to fulfill cultural and ritual roles, intensification of production and artificial selection by man (increasing expression of the 'domesticated phenotype') [31, 32], and interbreeding between phenotypes (also genotypes). Consequently, plumage color phenotypes reported for adult NICs range from full ground color to full black color. Findings however, vary by source of samples (on-farm vs. market samples), system of production (intensive vs. semi-intensive vs. extensive) due to differences in flock structure (male:female; adult:grower), and environmental effects on plumage genotype and phenotype [32]. In heavy ecotype (HE) ICs, [33] reported plumage color as white, white and black, gold and black, black, barred, brown, brown and black, gold, and gold and brown. Indigenous chickens assembled from local markets within Makurdi and environ in Benue State, Northcentral Nigeria revealed black, light brown, white, spotted, and mottled phenotypes at 32.22, 12.22, 7.78, 21.11 and 26.67%, respectively [9]. In 2420 mature ICs from 100 farm families in Dekina, Kogi State, Northcentral Nigeria [10] observed plumage colors of brown, brown and black, black, black with white, white, and brown with black and white at 41.75, 35.5, 10.25, 6.50, 2.75, and 3.25%, respectively. Within Yoruba and Fulani ecotypes belonging to households in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria [11] observed plumage colors of white, black, brown, ash, red, and yellow in 15.07 and 20.6, 25.67 and 31.55, 9.34 and 10.69, 9.42 and 6.52, 9.11 and 12.13, and 0.00 and 2.35%, for Yoruba and Fulani ecotypes, respectively. Whitish brown and multicolor plumages were observed in 31.4 and 13.3%, and 0.00 and 2.87% of chickens, respectively. In 7091 ICs (2467 males and 4624 females reared semi-intensively) from rural households in Gwer-West, Benue State, Nigeria, [13] observed complete white, brown, and black; brown with black spotting, black with white spotting, and white with black spotting phenotypes in 15.55, 12.71, and 19.79; 12.89, 29.01, and 10.05%, respectively. In a population of Tiv and Fulani ICs reared intensively at Ekpehe in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria, [14] reported nine plumage colors made up of three single or solid colors (brown, 11.54%, black, 3.85%, and light brown, 7.69%) and six color combinations (silver with brown, 6.25%; mottled brown, 19.20%; mottled black, 11.54%; black with brown, 23.08%; mixed gray, 3.85%, and mottled white, 3.85%) in the Tiv chickens. Within the Fulani ecotype, brown, white, and black were the solid colors at frequencies of 17.31, 3.08, and 5.77%, respectively while mixed colors included

*Landraces - Traditional Variety and Natural Breed*

body temperature regulation [16].

recognize two broad body weight categories namely light body weight, and heavy body weight [8]. Plumage or feather color (pigmentation) include black, brown, gray, ash, white, red, and mottled; various color combinations [9–12] and feather patterns. Feather distribution is predominantly complete but limited in some phenotypes such as naked neck, frizzle, and short flight feather types [7]. Feather structure is predominantly normal, and seldom frizzle and silky [7]. Comb type is mostly single but rose, pea, walnut, duplex, and crest phenotypes also occur in decreasing frequencies [13–15]. Ear lobe is mostly present but absent in some dwarf ecotypes and color is mostly red or white. Wattle color is red or white while shank and skin color is often white or yellow but could be grayish, ash, blackish or bluish [9, 12, 13]. Beak color could be white, yellow, brown, or black. Some of the major physical attributes reflect environmental adaptations such as large comb, limited feather distribution, and frizzle feather structure for enhanced heat dissipation and

The genetic background of body size, feather structure and distribution are body size genes (DW/dw), plumage distribution genes (Na/na), feather structure genes (F/f), and numerous plumage color and color pattern genes [6, 16–18]. Morphological, physical, and performance characteristics along with biochemical, and molecular markers have been employed for genetic diversity evaluation in ICs [19–21]. Results indicate that NICs are a unique and vital genetic resource and gene pool for present and future production and breeding imperatives. The NIC is however; threatened by extinction owing to under valuation and utilization, diseases, predation, negative selection, breed substitution and genetic dilution, necessitating urgent action by research and policy makers towards the conservation of native chickens which is probably the most neglected farm animal genetic resources [16, 22–24]. The present study aims to collate information on qualitative and quantitative trait characteristics and variation, genetic diversity and improvement, and conservation issues and concerns of NICs, to draw attention to the extent of IC biodiversity and the need for action to improve the production, utilization,

**2. Physical and qualitative attributes of Nigerian indigenous chickens**

Physical and qualitative trait evaluation reflects the effects of genes, and the impact of the environment; and enhances the understanding of local adaptations, which impact performance [14, 25]. Natural selection as well as mutations could throw up unique phenotypes, genes, and genotypes that have special adaptation and utility in specific environments. Characterization of the physical and qualitative traits for local adaptations facilitates selection for traits that enhance fitness and performance [13, 14]. Variation in physical and qualitative traits of NICs is expected given the diverse agro ecological climates, centuries of migration and interbreeding, natural and man-made challenges including disease, predation, and negative selec-

valuation and conservation of Nigerian's landrace chickens.

tion to which ICs have been subjected [6, 7, 16, 26].

**indigenous chickens**

**2.1 Plumage type, distribution, color, and color patterns in Nigerian** 

Plumage type (smooth plumage and frizzle plumage) and plumage distribution (complete plumage and naked neck) are genetically determined. The genetic background of plumage type is the autosomal dominant frizzle (F) and recessive smooth (f) feathering genes while the genetic basis of feather distribution is the autosomal dominant naked neck (Na) and recessive complete feathering (na)

**138**

dull brown (2.69%), mixed gray (5.77%), mixed black (13.46%), black and brown (17.37%), mottled brown (13.46%), mottled white (9.46%), and mottled black (11.53%). Daikwo et al. [12] observed five single plumage color phenotypes viz. black, white, brown, ash, and red at 39.43, 23.02, 15.47, 11.13, and 9.43%, respectively and multicolored phenotypes (1.51%) in 1060 adult ICs from 208 households in Bekwara, Cross River State, Nigeria. In a recent survey of seven council wards, four villages/ward, 4 to 5 households/village, and 5 to 7 mature ICs/household, [15] observed six unicolored plumage phenotypes consisting of black, white, brown, gray, ash, and red; and a series of mixed colored plumage phenotypes viz. multicolored, black and white, gray and white, black and brown, reddish black, and ash with black. Of these single plumage colors and color mixtures, black, white and brown were predominant (36.23, 20.00, and 13.02%, respectively) while ash was the least frequent (0.57%). In a population of heavy ecotype (HE) ICs genetically improved for egg production and body weight at first egg by within ecotype selection for six generations, there was preponderance of pheomelanin-based feather colors and color combinations/patterns (white, yellow, gold, red, and brown) while in unimproved light ecotype (LE) ICs, eumelanine-based feather colors were more dominant (**Table 1**, **Figure 1**). The range of plumage colors and color combinations reported for the NICs indicate tremendous plumage color variation and diversity and results are similar to those of ICs from other countries in Africa [27, 34].

#### **2.2 Distribution of comb type, beak, ear lobe, and wattle colors**

Comb type in the NIC has been reported to include single, rose, pea, buttercup, walnut, and cushion varieties with single comb being the most predominant followed by rose, pea, buttercup, walnut and cushion in decreasing order. Daikwo et al. [10] observed single, pea, and rose combs with frequencies of 51.0, 28.0, and 21.0%, respectively in ICs from Dekina in Kogi State, Northcentral Nigeria while Rotimi et al. [13] observed 88.49, 7.03, 3.90, 0.32%, and 0.26% for single, rose, pea, buttercup, and cushion combs, respectively in ICs from Gwer-West, Benue State, Nigeria. From 1,700 ICs (Fulani = 900, and Tiv = 800 ecotypes), three comb types: single (99.23%), rose (0.38%) and walnut (0.39%) in Fulani ecotype and two types: single (99.62%), and walnut (0.38%) in Tiv ecotype were reported [14]. From 1,060 adult ICs (444 males and 616 females) from Bekwara in Cross River State, South–south Nigeria, [12] reported three comb types: single (88.49%), rose (7.17%), and pea (4.34%). Data presented showed male to female ratio of 95.5:83.4, 1.8:6.2, and 2.7:10.4% for single, pea, and rose combs, respectively. A similar study in the same area observed five comb types namely single (24.20%), pea (38.90%), rose (18.50%), double (13.70%), and walnut (4.70%) [15]. Four comb types (single, 43.33%; pea, 23.33%; rose, 17.78%; and walnut, 15.36%) were reported in ICs from Markudi in Benue State, Northcentral Nigeria [9] while [11] observed single comb (94.27 and 80.44), rose (2.75 and 11.34), and pea (2.98 and 8.21%) for Yoruba and Fulani ecotypes, respectively in ICs from Ogbomosho in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Comb color did not vary within and between populations and sexes being 100% red [11, 14]. Elsewhere in Africa [27] observed a preponderance of pea comb (range, 49–56%; overall, 53%) followed by rose comb (range, 12–22%, overall, 16%) out of the five comb types (single, rose, pea, walnut, and duplex) present in five IC ecotypes or strains of Ethiopia. The authors reported higher percentage rose, and pea combs in females compared to males, while more males had duplex, single, and walnut combs compared to females.

Beak color in NICs was reported to include white, yellow, brown, black, ash, pink, and orange. White beak (41.16%), black (31.61%), and yellow (27.23%) were observed in IC population from Gwer-West in Benue State, Northcentral

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*Utilization and Conservation of Landrace Chickens of Nigeria: Physical and Performance…*

Comb type Single 61 100.00 30 93.75

Comb color Red 46 75.41 32 100.00 Red and black 11 18.03 Black 4 6.56 Wattle color Red 39 63.93 32 100.00 Red-black 15 24.59 Pink 7 11.48 Beak color Black 25 40.98 1 3.13 Black and slate 14 22.95 Black and brown 1 1.64

Yellowish brown 1 1.64

Ear lobe Present 51 83.61 32 100.00 Absent 10 16.39 Ear lobe color Red 32 62.75 16 50.00 Pink 19 37.25

Ash-gray 25 40.98

White/slate 3 4.92

Black and gold/yellow 2 (F) 3.28

Gold, ash, black 1 (F) 1.64

Shank color Black/ash/gray 31 50.82 1 3.13

**LE (No.) Freq. (%) <sup>2</sup>**

Rose 2 6.25

Yellow 5 8.20 4 12.50

Brown 15 24.59 10 31.25

White 8 25.00 White and red 8 25.00

Yellowish white 34 55.74 4 12.50

White 2 3.28 28 87.50

Yellow 16 26.23 10 31.25

Black 16 (F) 26.23 1 (F) 3.13

Black and white 10 (F) 16.39 1 (F) 3.13

Brown and gold 1 (F) 1.64 1 (F) 3.13 Gold, brown, black, ash 3 (F) 4.92 1 (F) 3.13 Red, gold, black 2 (M) 3.28 2 (M) 6.25 Red and white 1 (M) 3.13 Red, gold, white 8 (M) 25.00 White, gold, brown 1 (M) 3.13 White 3 (M) 9.38

Yellowish-white (cream) 10 16.39 21 65.63

**HE (No.) Freq. (%)**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96580*

Skin color Yellow

Plumage color (sex)

Blackish (slate)

**Trait <sup>1</sup>**



*Landraces - Traditional Variety and Natural Breed*

dull brown (2.69%), mixed gray (5.77%), mixed black (13.46%), black and brown (17.37%), mottled brown (13.46%), mottled white (9.46%), and mottled black (11.53%). Daikwo et al. [12] observed five single plumage color phenotypes viz. black, white, brown, ash, and red at 39.43, 23.02, 15.47, 11.13, and 9.43%, respectively and multicolored phenotypes (1.51%) in 1060 adult ICs from 208 households in Bekwara, Cross River State, Nigeria. In a recent survey of seven council wards, four villages/ward, 4 to 5 households/village, and 5 to 7 mature ICs/household, [15] observed six unicolored plumage phenotypes consisting of black, white, brown, gray, ash, and red; and a series of mixed colored plumage phenotypes viz. multicolored, black and white, gray and white, black and brown, reddish black, and ash with black. Of these single plumage colors and color mixtures, black, white and brown were predominant (36.23, 20.00, and 13.02%, respectively) while ash was the least frequent (0.57%). In a population of heavy ecotype (HE) ICs genetically improved for egg production and body weight at first egg by within ecotype selection for six generations, there was preponderance of pheomelanin-based feather colors and color combinations/patterns (white, yellow, gold, red, and brown) while in unimproved light ecotype (LE) ICs, eumelanine-based feather colors were more dominant (**Table 1**, **Figure 1**). The range of plumage colors and color combinations reported for the NICs indicate tremendous plumage color variation and diversity and results are similar to those of ICs from other countries in Africa [27, 34].

**2.2 Distribution of comb type, beak, ear lobe, and wattle colors**

Comb type in the NIC has been reported to include single, rose, pea, buttercup, walnut, and cushion varieties with single comb being the most predominant followed by rose, pea, buttercup, walnut and cushion in decreasing order. Daikwo et al. [10] observed single, pea, and rose combs with frequencies of 51.0, 28.0, and 21.0%, respectively in ICs from Dekina in Kogi State, Northcentral Nigeria while Rotimi et al. [13] observed 88.49, 7.03, 3.90, 0.32%, and 0.26% for single, rose, pea, buttercup, and cushion combs, respectively in ICs from Gwer-West, Benue State, Nigeria. From 1,700 ICs (Fulani = 900, and Tiv = 800 ecotypes), three comb types: single (99.23%), rose (0.38%) and walnut (0.39%) in Fulani ecotype and two types: single (99.62%), and walnut (0.38%) in Tiv ecotype were reported [14]. From 1,060 adult ICs (444 males and 616 females) from Bekwara in Cross River State, South–south Nigeria, [12] reported three comb types: single (88.49%), rose (7.17%), and pea (4.34%). Data presented showed male to female ratio of 95.5:83.4, 1.8:6.2, and 2.7:10.4% for single, pea, and rose combs, respectively. A similar study in the same area observed five comb types namely single (24.20%), pea (38.90%), rose (18.50%), double (13.70%), and walnut (4.70%) [15]. Four comb types (single, 43.33%; pea, 23.33%; rose, 17.78%; and walnut, 15.36%) were reported in ICs from Markudi in Benue State, Northcentral Nigeria [9] while [11] observed single comb (94.27 and 80.44), rose (2.75 and 11.34), and pea (2.98 and 8.21%) for Yoruba and Fulani ecotypes, respectively in ICs from Ogbomosho in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Comb color did not vary within and between populations and sexes being 100% red [11, 14]. Elsewhere in Africa [27] observed a preponderance of pea comb (range, 49–56%; overall, 53%) followed by rose comb (range, 12–22%, overall, 16%) out of the five comb types (single, rose, pea, walnut, and duplex) present in five IC ecotypes or strains of Ethiopia. The authors reported higher percentage rose, and pea combs in females compared to males, while more males had duplex, single,

Beak color in NICs was reported to include white, yellow, brown, black, ash, pink, and orange. White beak (41.16%), black (31.61%), and yellow (27.23%) were observed in IC population from Gwer-West in Benue State, Northcentral

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and walnut combs compared to females.


#### **Table 1.**

*Qualitative traits of light (LE) and heavy (HE) ecotype NICs.*

Nigeria [13] while [14] observed mostly brown (44.23 and 43.90%), black (35.00 and 36.50%), and white beak (20.74 and 19.60%) for Tiv and Fulani IC ecotypes, respectively. Yellow, brown, ash, white, pink, and orange colored beak were observed in ICs from Bekwara, Cross River State, Nigeria at 21.10, 11.10, 9.10, 6.80, 1.90 and 1.10%, respectively [15]. In the study by [34], beak color was yellow (32.48%), white (33.73%), brown (26.30%), and black (7.75%).

White, red, brown, yellow, ash, and black were the range of ear lobe colors reported for NIC by several studies [9, 11, 13, 14] with white followed by red ear lobes being predominant (range: 52.00–79.37 and 20.63–45.00%, for white and red ear lobes, respectively) in the populations studied by [9, 11, 13] while [14] reported preponderance of brown and black ear lobes.

Wattle color was reported to be white and red by [13] with white wattle being the more frequent (68.02 vs. 31.98%). Reports describing wattle color are very scanty. **Table 1** shows the comb, beak and wattle colors observed in improved HE and unimproved LE NICs while **Figure 1** shows birds with some plumage color phenotypes.

#### **2.3 Body, eye, and shank colors of Nigerian indigenous chickens**

Three shank colors: yellow (18.89 and 27.23%), white (38.89 and 41.16%) and black (42.22 and 31.61%) were reported by [9, 13], respectively in ICs from Benue State (Northcentral Nigeria) while three shank colors: white (36.15%), green (12.69%), and black (51.15%), and two shank colors (white, 70.00% and black, 30.00%) were reported in Tiv and Fulani ICs, respectively by [14]. The authors observed three eye colors namely yellow (50.77%), white (20.00%), and brown (29.23%) in Tiv ecotype and two colors in Fulani ecotype namely yellow and brown at 76.90 and 23.10%, respectively. All the birds (100%) had white skin. From ICs of Cross River State, [12] reported five eye colors (black, brown, dark red, orange, and pink), and two skin colors of white and yellow. Of the five eye colors, black was most frequent at 44.72% followed by brown (27.74%) while pink was the least frequent at 5.09%. White skin predominated over yellow skin in the sampled population (75.85 vs. 24.15%). Odah et al. [15] reported 10 shank colors in IC population from the same state. These were yellow, black, white, greenish, milky, ash, dark-ash, pink, red, and light brown with yellow being the most frequent (31.90%) followed by black (19.60%), and white (18.50%) while red and light brown were the least frequent (0.40%, respectively). In this same population eye color were six namely black, light brown, dark brown, dark red, orange, and pink with black, light brown and dark brown predominating (44.72, 14.91 and 12.83%, respectively)

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**Figure 1.**

*Utilization and Conservation of Landrace Chickens of Nigeria: Physical and Performance…*

and the least frequent being pink (5.09%). In Dekina in Kogi State, Northcentral Nigeria, four shank colors were reported namely, black (13.75%), yellow (40.50%),

*Plumage colors of some landrace chickens of Nigeria (unimproved and improved ecotypes). (A): Unimproved light ecotype (dwarf) ICs of various plumage and shank colors (females). (B): Unimproved light ecotype (dwarf) ICs of black plumage and mostly black shank color (females). (C): Heavy ecotype (HE) ICs (G0 generation) subjected to selection for growth and egg production traits. (D): Predominantly brown 2nd generation HE ICs (females). (E): Predominantly black plumage 2nd generation HE ICs (females). (F): Black, browm, and white plumage female progeny of 6th generation HE ICs. (G): Predominantly white plumage male progeny of 6th generation HE ICs. (H): Red/gold and white plumage male progeny of 6th generation HE ICs.*

black and yellow (37.25%), and white (8.50%) [10].

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96580*

*Utilization and Conservation of Landrace Chickens of Nigeria: Physical and Performance… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96580*

#### **Figure 1.**

*Landraces - Traditional Variety and Natural Breed*

**Trait <sup>1</sup>**

*LE: unselected light ecotype (bantam or dwarf) chickens;* 

*Qualitative traits of light (LE) and heavy (HE) ecotype NICs.*

*HE: sixth generation heavy ecotype ICs*

Mottled (brown, black, ash, white, gold)

Nigeria [13] while [14] observed mostly brown (44.23 and 43.90%), black (35.00 and 36.50%), and white beak (20.74 and 19.60%) for Tiv and Fulani IC ecotypes, respectively. Yellow, brown, ash, white, pink, and orange colored beak were observed in ICs from Bekwara, Cross River State, Nigeria at 21.10, 11.10, 9.10, 6.80, 1.90 and 1.10%, respectively [15]. In the study by [34], beak color was yellow

**LE (No.) Freq. (%) <sup>2</sup>**

White and gold 3 (M) 9.38 Brown and black 14 (F) 22.95 1 (F) 3.13 Brown 6 (F) 9.84 1 (F) 3.13 Brown and white spots 6 (F) 9.84 3 (F) 9.38 Gold, white, black 1 (M) 3.13

White and brown 3 (F) 9.38

**HE (No.) Freq. (%)**

1 (F) 3.13

White, red, brown, yellow, ash, and black were the range of ear lobe colors reported for NIC by several studies [9, 11, 13, 14] with white followed by red ear lobes being predominant (range: 52.00–79.37 and 20.63–45.00%, for white and red ear lobes, respectively) in the populations studied by [9, 11, 13] while [14] reported

Wattle color was reported to be white and red by [13] with white wattle being the more frequent (68.02 vs. 31.98%). Reports describing wattle color are very scanty. **Table 1** shows the comb, beak and wattle colors observed in improved HE and unimproved LE NICs while **Figure 1** shows birds with some plumage color phenotypes.

Three shank colors: yellow (18.89 and 27.23%), white (38.89 and 41.16%) and black (42.22 and 31.61%) were reported by [9, 13], respectively in ICs from Benue State (Northcentral Nigeria) while three shank colors: white (36.15%), green (12.69%), and black (51.15%), and two shank colors (white, 70.00% and black, 30.00%) were reported in Tiv and Fulani ICs, respectively by [14]. The authors observed three eye colors namely yellow (50.77%), white (20.00%), and brown (29.23%) in Tiv ecotype and two colors in Fulani ecotype namely yellow and brown at 76.90 and 23.10%, respectively. All the birds (100%) had white skin. From ICs of Cross River State, [12] reported five eye colors (black, brown, dark red, orange, and pink), and two skin colors of white and yellow. Of the five eye colors, black was most frequent at 44.72% followed by brown (27.74%) while pink was the least frequent at 5.09%. White skin predominated over yellow skin in the sampled population (75.85 vs. 24.15%). Odah et al. [15] reported 10 shank colors in IC population from the same state. These were yellow, black, white, greenish, milky, ash, dark-ash, pink, red, and light brown with yellow being the most frequent (31.90%) followed by black (19.60%), and white (18.50%) while red and light brown were the least frequent (0.40%, respectively). In this same population eye color were six namely black, light brown, dark brown, dark red, orange, and pink with black, light brown and dark brown predominating (44.72, 14.91 and 12.83%, respectively)

(32.48%), white (33.73%), brown (26.30%), and black (7.75%).

**2.3 Body, eye, and shank colors of Nigerian indigenous chickens**

preponderance of brown and black ear lobes.

**142**

*1*

*2*

**Table 1.**

*Plumage colors of some landrace chickens of Nigeria (unimproved and improved ecotypes). (A): Unimproved light ecotype (dwarf) ICs of various plumage and shank colors (females). (B): Unimproved light ecotype (dwarf) ICs of black plumage and mostly black shank color (females). (C): Heavy ecotype (HE) ICs (G0 generation) subjected to selection for growth and egg production traits. (D): Predominantly brown 2nd generation HE ICs (females). (E): Predominantly black plumage 2nd generation HE ICs (females). (F): Black, browm, and white plumage female progeny of 6th generation HE ICs. (G): Predominantly white plumage male progeny of 6th generation HE ICs. (H): Red/gold and white plumage male progeny of 6th generation HE ICs.*

and the least frequent being pink (5.09%). In Dekina in Kogi State, Northcentral Nigeria, four shank colors were reported namely, black (13.75%), yellow (40.50%), black and yellow (37.25%), and white (8.50%) [10].
