ANALYSIS TO UNCOVER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS, SEX AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION IN VARIOUS CHICKEN BREEDS

The poultry business provides chicken and eggs for daily consumption, making it a significant source of food for humans. The qualitative trait study may be useful in the deliberate selection and breeding of chicken breeds for improved poultry output. About 787 individuals from six breeds—Misri (MS), Aseel (AS), Golden Sebright (GS), Silver Sebright (SS), Golden Puff (GP), and Black Australorp (BA)—that are accessible in Lahore's homes and small markets were observed for this study. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the statistical significance association of traits (comb type, plumage colour, shank/foot colour, skin colour, eye colour, comb colour, earlobe colour and plumage pattern) with sex and breeds. The results revealed significant correlations between morphological traits and sex. Females exhibit a high prevalence of black eyes, slaute blue shank, solid plumage pattern, and red or white plumage. In contrast, males were more likely to have black and whindi feathers, yellow shank, and bay eyes. Breeds are found to be in a significant relation with all investigated traits except comb colour. These findings offer valuable insights for poultry breeders. By understanding the phenotypic variations associated with sex and breed, breeders can develop targeted breeding programs to produce desired characteristics. Additionally, this data highlights the unique genetic diversity of Lahore's native chicken breeds.