Phenotypic characterization and principal component analyses of Bangkok chicken in Indonesia

Bangkok chicken is a significant genetic resource in Indonesia, valued culturally and economically. However, limited reports on its phenotypic diversity risks genetic loss. This study aimed to assess phenotypic characterization of Bangkok chicken through qualitative and quantitative traits. Methods included qualitative classification, morphometric measurements, correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA). A T-test analyzed sex differences in body weight and morphometric traits. The research findings revealed that the male Bangkok chickens had 44.16% black-red (black dominant) feather colour and 73.20% yellow shank. Meanwhile, the females had 78% black feather colour and 34% black shank. The pea comb type was dominant in both sexes. The results indicated that the body weight and morphometric traits of male Bangkok were higher than those of females. In the total population, the PC1 accounted for 56.92% of the total variance. Morphometric features, such as breast girth and shank length were strongly correlated with body weight, highlighting their potential as reliable traits for selection and breeding Bangkok chickens. In conclusion, the study identified key phenotypic characteristics, which were body weight, breast girth, and shank length. These traits are strongly correlated and can serve as reliable criteria for selecting and improving Bangkok chicken breeds.HighlightThe variation of qualitative traits of Bangkok chickens, consisting of feather colour, shank colour, and comb type, were widely varied across the population.Sexual dimorphism (male and female) affected all the parameters in quantitative traits, and the PCA identified breast girth and shank length as the key potential criteria for selecting Bangkok chicken.