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The Peel-Neck chicken of Belize and Guatemala, Central America

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2011

J.G. Mallia
J.G. Mallia
Affiliation:
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
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Summary

A previously undescribed heavy, soft-feathered population of chickens characterised by a partially featherless portion of the neck known in Belize as the “Peel-Neck” was studied. It was also widely present in Guatemala. This population of chickens was said to have a dual purpose, raised for meat and eggs. The eggs were tinted, and the hens were sitters, also caring for the young until independent. The birds were active and independent foragers. The plumage colour was variable, but body weight and conformation were consistent across all specimens, as was the comb type and dimensions, and location of the featherless area on the neck. These chickens were kept under backyard rearing systems in both countries, although usually they were allowed to scavenge, at which they were said to excel. This population was not considered threatened, although apparently no attempt was made to breed pure specimens.

Résumé

Nous décrivons une population nouvelle de poule Bélizienne de grande taille au plumage doux, mais chez laquelle le cou est dépourvu de plumes, soit au “cou pelé”. Cette population se retrouve aussi au Guatémala. C'est une race à viande et à production d'oeufs teintés brun clair. Les poules sont couveuses, protègeant leurs poussins jusqu'à leur indépendence. Elles sont aussi d'excéllentes fourrageuses. Leur plumage est de couleur variable, mais leur masse, leur conformation, la forme de leur crête et l'emplacement de la partie du cou dépourvu de plumes sont semblables chez tous les spécimènes. Ces poules sont élevées dans un système au sol. La population n'est pas menacée; par contre il n'y a aucun effort pour assurer l'élevage de race pure.

Keywords

Genetic resourcesChickenBelizeGuatemala
Type
Research Articles
Information
Animal Genetic Resources/Resources génétiques animales/Recursos genéticos animales , Volume 25 , April 1999 , pp. 71 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 1999

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