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Indigenous chicken genetic resources in Kenya: their unique attributes and conservation options for improved use

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2014

K. NGENO*
Affiliation:
Animal Breeding and Genomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, PO Box 536, 20115 Egerton, Kenya Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
E.H. VANDER WAAIJ
Affiliation:
Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
A.K. KAHI
Affiliation:
Animal Breeding and Genomics Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, PO Box 536, 20115 Egerton, Kenya
*
Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

The indigenous chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) genetic resources (IC) comprise more than 80% of the overall poultry population in rural villages despite their low productivity. However, a holistic approach that increases productivity without increasing production costs or leading to loss of biodiversity is presently limited. Conversely, in most developing countries, there is almost no organizational structure for breeding programmes for improving and conserving IC. These locally adapted IC can only be conserved in the most rational and sustainable way by ensuring that they are functional part of different production systems. Their conservation should be through utilisation if they are to be of any benefit to the poor rural households. This discussion focuses on five very relevant questions that need to be answered if the conservation of IC is to be effective and sustainable: What, why and how should we conserve, who are the stakeholders and what are their roles in conservation efforts?

Type
Small-scale Family Poultry Production
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2014 

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