Effects of naked neck and frizzle genes on growth and egg-laying performance of chickens in the tropics in an era of climate change

In regions characterized by tropical and subtropical climates, the elevated ambient temperatures exert adverse effects on both broiler and laying chickens, impacting their growth and egg production performance. To mitigate the challenges posed by heat stress, genetic strategies aimed at reducing feather coverage have gained prominence in hot climate areas. Among these approaches, the naked neck (Na) and frizzle (F) genes have emerged as particularly noteworthy. The Na and F genes play a pivotal role in facilitating heat dissipation and temperature regulation. By decreasing feather insulation, these genes enable efficient heat dissipation through exposed areas of the chickens’ bodies. This reduction in feather coverage leads to elevated body surface temperature, which, in turn, enhances the capacity for heat loss and contributes to overall body temperature reduction. A substantial body of literature underscores the well-established positive impacts of the naked neck and frizzle genes on growth and egg-laying performance. As a result, these genes hold significant potential for integration into broiler and layer production systems, especially in regions characterized by high tropical temperatures. In the context of broiler farming under challenging heat conditions, the Na and F genes have demonstrated favorable effects on crucial parameters such as feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, disease resistance, and carcass attributes. Likewise, layers exposed to elevated temperatures exhibit enhanced egg production, eggshell quality, fertility, hatchability, and resistance to diseases when these genes are incorporated. Given that the prevalence of the naked neck and frizzle genes is primarily observed in indigenous chicken populations, it becomes imperative to prioritize measures for their conservation due to their exceptional performance in heat-stressed environments. To unlock the full genetic potential of exotic poultry reared in hot and humid conditions, the integration of the Na and F genes is a strongly recommended strategy.