Morpho-Biometric Characterization of the North African (Tunisian) Local Chicken Populations

The present study aimed to determine the socio-economic and morpho-biometric characteristics of the local population of chickens in North Africa. A total of 250 chickens were sampled in three regions of the country of Tunisia. A complete description by direct observation, individual weighing, and body parts measurements were determined. The results of the study showed a significant diversity of plumage colors in the studied populations. Birds of the dominant yellow color represent the average proportion of 20 %. Birds with black, gray, and white plumage represent a low proportion (18%, 12%, and 12%, respectively). A great phenotypic diversity was noticed and the ascending hierarchical classification showed the existence of two different groups with differential body weight, body length, back length, comb length and width, ear lobe length and width, wing length, wattle length, neck length, thigh and breast length, shank length and diameter, and central toe length. This phenotypic and descriptive richness can be considered a starting point for categorizing local indigenous Tunisian chickens. Genetic, anatomic, and physiologic large-scale studies are warranted to establish a comprehensive database and improve the conservation and sustainable production of these indigenous chickens.