Multivarate analysis of phenotypic and farming system characterization of indigenous chicken populations on-farm in guji zone, Ethiopia

Phenotypic characterizations of indigenous chicken genetic resources were undertaken in Guji zone of Oromia region. All HHs conditionally/occasionally provide feed and water as supplements and of the feed sources 54.2% and 16.7% were Grain and leftover; and Grain and crop residues., wall and floor which were made of 51.4% wood, 22.9% grass/bush, 14.3% (wood + mud), 8.6% bamboo, and 2.9% (bamboo + grass).. The mean separation with standard errors of the chicken population size were 18.5±1.97 of (3.4±.32) and (2.1± .30) with a ratio of 3.2:1 female with male. Population of young chicks were highest in umber (7.0 ± .70) followed by pullets (3.5 ±.33), hens (3.4 ±.3, cockerels (2.5 ±.32) and cocks (2.1± .30) per household respectively. The average mean values of all parameters except average body weight and Super Length were significantly different at (P<0.05) level between location. Quantitative traits between sex were significantly greater at (p<0.05) level, 2.1±0.05kg and 1.5±0.02 average body weight (ABW) of male and female respectively. All this qualitative and quantitative traits variations could be used as source of selection for improving the chickens which positively affect breeding program through community based improvement, conservation and setting wisely sustainable utilization in the future.