A review of genetic diversity erosion in Ethiopia's local chicken gene pool: implications on determination of suitable breeding and conservation strategies

SUMMARYThis review aims to suggest sustainable and conservation-based genetic improvement approaches by analysing the genetic diversity erosion in Ethiopia's local chicken gene pool. Ethiopia has ample chicken genetic resources with 10 different chicken ecotypes. Indigenous chickens are excellent in adaptive traits and are highly variable in performance and morphological characteristics. They have comparable and promising potential for production if they are given improved nutrition, housing and health care. They are the primary protein sources for rural and urban societies and play a significant role in food security. However, the genetic diversities of the chicken have now been seriously threatened in the past six decades by indiscriminate crossbreeding, production-derived breed reference, changes in the production system and an unbalanced extension system. About 20 different improved exotic chicken breeds were imported to Ethiopia via government and non-government organisations from 1953 onwards. No previous efforts have been made to conserve and improve the local chickens, but successful selective breeding has been carried out in indigenous Tilili, Horro and Debre Zeit White chickens. Selective breeding resulted in significant improvement in egg number, body weight, egg weight, age at first and survival in all chicken populations, particularly in Horro chicken. These situations call for conservation-based genetic improvement, focusing on the utilisation of within-breed selection and the unique features of the chicken. Community-based selective breeding complemented with an improved chicken management package may be the primary strategy to preserve and improve the local chickens. The government and other bodies should plan important activities encouraging farmers to keep and improve indigenous chickens. The review could also serve as baseline information for policymakers, researchers, agricultural offices and students to take necessary actions on chicken genetic improvement, conservation and management and undertake further studies.KEYWORDS: Genetic diversityperformanceconservationbreedingindigenous chicken Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingNot applicable but the author uses the facilities of Woldia University to write the manuscript.