Overview of Native Chicken Breeds in Italy: Conservation Status and Rearing Systems in Use.

ABSTRACT: The most reared species of farm animal around the world is the chicken. However, the intensification of livestock systems has led to a gradual increase in the concentration of a limited number of breeds, resulting in substantial erosion to the genetic pool. The initial step of an 'animal conservation program' entails establishing the actual conservation statuses of the breeds concerned in a defined area; in this case, in Italy. To this end, a survey of breeds was performed by means of a census questionnaire divided into two parts. The first part collected information on breeds, breeders, housing facilities, and management aspects, the results of which are presented here. The second part of the questionnaire regarded chicken products and their markets, and these data will be reported in a s

SUBMITTER: Castillo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7917728 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature