Phenotypic characterization of Malaysian village chicken ecotypes in Peninsular Malaysia
Indigenous poultry breeds are valued for their tolerance and adaptability to challenging environments, including harsh tropical climate and disease pressures. In Peninsular Malaysia, village chickens - commonly known as Ayam Kampung - not only play a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of sma...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2025
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26529/1/ML%204.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26529/ https://jms.mabjournal.com/index.php/mab/issue/view/69 |
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| Summary: | Indigenous poultry breeds are valued for their tolerance and adaptability to challenging environments, including harsh tropical climate and disease pressures. In Peninsular Malaysia, village chickens - commonly known as Ayam Kampung - not only play a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in rural areas, but also serve as a vital genetic resource for breeding and conservation efforts. This study aimed to characterize the phenotypic and morphological diversity of 15 indigenous chicken ecotypes sampled across the region. Survey and interviews with selected farmers were conducted to identify ecotypes and trace their origins using open-ended questionnaires. A total of 459 chickens were assessed for key traits, including plumage color and pattern, comb type and color, as well as beak and shank color. A non-parametric test of association was performed to examine the relationship between phenotypic traits and ecotype groupings. The results revealed significant variation among the chicken ecotypes, with five major groups identified: Arab chickens, cockfighting chickens, Kurik chickens, Naked Neck chickens, and multicolor chickens. The most prevalent traits observed were multicolor plumage (80.39%), brown-yellow beak (88.45%), and yellow shank (86.06%), with red single (70%) and pea/walnut (30%) comb types also frequently present. These variations, shaped by environmental and human influences, face threats from disease, human interference, and the introduction of other breeds. The findings provide valuable insights into the morphological characteristics of village chickens, offering a foundation for future breeding programs. Furthermore, conserving these indigenous chickens is essential to preserve their unique genetic resources, maintain biodiversity, and ensure their sustainable use in the future. |
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