Multivariate analysis of morpho-biometric diversity in indigenous chickens from two zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study characterized the morpho-biometric features of indigenous chickens across six districts of West Arsi and East Shoa zones of Oromia Region State, Ethiopia, using multivariate techniques. Data were collected from 621 mature chickens (134 males, 487 females). Univariate analysis revealed significant district-level variation in morphometric traits (p < 0.001), with Lume chickens exhibiting the highest values, and Siraro and Shashemene the lowest. Shank length and body weight had the highest model explanatory power (R2: 0.58–0.64). Qualitative traits displayed distinct patterns, with red and brown plumage predominating in males and females, respectively, while rose and single combs, white–red earlobes, white skin, plain head shapes, and yellow shanks were the most prevalent. Multiple correspondence analysis highlighted associations between qualitative traits and districts, with the first two dimensions explaining 70.23% of the variance. Quadratic discriminant analysis classified chickens into their districts of origin with 41.80–91.30% accuracy, which was highest for Bora and Lume. Stepwise discriminant analysis identified seven traits (females) and four (males) as key discriminators, while canonical discriminant analysis revealed that the first two functions explained 98% of the variance in both female and male chickens, with strong between-district differentiation. Biplots confirmed that East Shoa chickens (larger in size) clustered separately from West Arsi populations. These findings underscore the phenotypic diversity of Ethiopian indigenous chickens, which is likely shaped by genetic, environmental and cultural factors. This diversity offers opportunities for targeted breeding and conservation programmes. Future studies should integrate genetic analyses to elucidate admixture and enhance breeding strategies.