Native birds as a valuable genetic resource

Indigenous breeds of chickens provide a pool of potentially useful genetic resources for commercial strains that are characterised by their native resistance and adaptability to environmental conditions. Photo: Peter J.E.Roek

Italian researchers compared the quality of eggs from indigenous chicken breeds and commercial layers and saw positive potential in the gene pool of native birds. The conservation of indigenous animal breeds is seen as vital to maintaining local genetic resources and biodiversity, and further contributes to the sustainability of animal production. The use of commercial hybrids of layer chickens – selected for their high production performance – may be the precursor to a progressive reducti