Influence of some expressive genes mutation on growth and body measurements of scavenging chickens in the dense humid forest of Cameroon

Abstract

Seven hundred and fifty one (751) mature local chickens reared in the dense humid forest zone of Cameroon were described to identify expressive genes mutation and their influences on growth and body measurements of birds in the rural environment of three provinces in Cameroon (Center, South and East). The major results showed that
hens from the Center Province bearing CR*CR mutation (Crested) were heavier (87g; P<0.05) than their sisters with CR*N; while those with W*Y mutation (yellow skin) were 0.22 cm bigger, comparatively. The shanks of hens from the East Province were 0.07 cm bigger than those from other Provinces (Center and South). In cocks, both mutations
PTI*PTI (feathered shank) and NA*NA (Naked neck) positively increased shank width but only in the Center Province by 0.23 cm and 0.19 cm compared with their wild alleles PTI*N and NA*N,  respectively. It was concluded that the expressive genes mutation
could be associated with enhanced performance, although upgrading feeding, health and management conditions could optimize their expression.