Comparison of growth curves of four breeds of Japanese Native Chicken, Onaga-Dori, Tosa-Jidori, Ukokkei and Hinai-Dori

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the growth curve parameters for body weight of Japanese native chickens (Onaga-dori, Tosa-jidori, Ukokkei and Hinai-dori) using a non-linear model, Gompertz function. The data were collected from the four indigenous breeds together with two foreign breeds (White Plymouth Rock and Brown Leghorn) that were reared from 0 day old to 20 weeks of age. Breed differences were observed in the growth parameters. The predicted mature weight of the Hinai-dori was heavier than the other three Japanese native breeds. Tosa-jidori was observed to be late maturing and lighter at maturity, while Ukokkei was shown to have a higher growth rate. The development of growth curves for indigenous breeds may be useful in selecting native Japanese chickens that have rapid growth at early ages. © Medwell Journals, 2010.