Influence of Breed and Hemoglobin Variants on Genotypic and Gene Frequencies and their Effect on Linear Body Measurements in Nigerian Local Chicken

This study investigates the effect of breed and hemoglobin (Hb) genotype on the phenotypic traits of 150 chickens, comprising 50 Naked Neck (NN), 50 Normal Feathered (NA), and 50 Frizzled Feathered (FF) individuals. Blood samples were collected via the wing vein for genetic analysis, while body weight, body length, wingspan, drumstick length, and shank length were measured. Genotypic analysis revealed that the NN and NA breeds had a higher frequency of the AA genotype (60%), while the FF breed exhibited a more balanced distribution (20% AA, 40% AB, and 40% BB). Allele frequency analysis showed a dominance of the A allele in NN (0.7) and NA (0.6), whereas the FF breed had a higher frequency of the B allele (0.6), indicating greater genetic diversity. The relationship between Hb genotypes and body measurements revealed that BB chickens exhibited superior growth traits, including body weight (1.08 kg), chest circumference (27.30 cm), and wingspan (35.50 cm), making them more suitable for meat production. AB individuals showed advantages in body length (28.83 cm) and shank length (8.43 cm), suggesting heterosis effects that enhance growth and adaptability. Conversely, AA chickens generally recorded lower values across most traits, indicating a potential disadvantage in productivity-focused breeding programs. These findings highlight the importance of genetic selection in shaping productivity and adaptability in poultry. Maintaining genetic diversity is essential for improving performance traits, and further research should explore the genetic markers influencing these traits to develop optimized breeding strategies.