Morphologic and Morphometric Study of Non-descript Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Bakun Benguet

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine whether there are distinct and unrecognized chickens in Bakun, Benguet and to validate breed identity and providing systematic descriptions of phenotype among identified native chicken population. This study was conducted from January 30, 2015 to March 16, 2016. A total of 401 native chickens consisting of 100 roosters and 301 hens observed from the seven (7) barangays of Bakun were used in the study. Results of the study revealed that the six strains of native chickens namely the Banaba, Bolinao, Camarines, Darag, Labuyo and Paraoakan compose 90% of the native chickens raised in Bakun, Benguet. Three groups of unrecognized native chickens namely the Talisayen, Lasak, and Puti are also being raised in the area but small in population (10%). Results also revealed that the most predominant strain of native chicken being raised in Bakun is the Banaba. This strain has a normal feather morphology and distribution. Its plumage is mostly laced but it could be plain and the predominant color is reddish yellow in roosters and brown in hens. It has yellow skin and shanks, red or red white earlobes, orange eyes and small single comb. The age of the Banaba used in the study was 1.22±1.36 years old and from this, the following morphometric measurements were obtained. The body weight is 1.33±1.95kgs, 37.40±45.18cm body length, 7.50±9.00cm shank length, 31.88±40.90cm wing span, 15.54±c15.84cm chest circumference.