Abstract:
Comparative morphological studies were carried out on the skin of three genotypes of Nigerian
indigenous chickens. Thirty adult chickens of the three genotypes (10 birds per genotype), all
above one year of age, were used to study the morphology of the skin. In all the genotypes
studied, they showed quite similar structural characteristics of white to pinkish thin skin. Among
the three genotypes studied, the mean body weight was significantly different for the Normal
Feathered Chicken compared to the other two genotypes. Mean weight of the skin as well as the
percentage weight of the skin were significantly different for all the three genotypes.
Contribution of skin to the total body weight in these genotypes ranged from 12.01±0.79 to
21.77±1.21 per cent. The thickness varied considerably in different regions of the body in all the
genotypes. Minimum thickness was noticed in the neck region of the naked neck genotype while
maximum micrometric thickness was observed in the same region. As in mammals, skin of the
Nigerian indigenous chickens was composed of a superficial epidermis and a deep dermis. The
current study has demonstrated the likely reason why the naked neck chickens are relatively
doing better than other genotypes. Since, less thickness of the skin on the neck region may be
translated to be an edge for them in terms of reduction in tropical heat stress by improving body
surface area for body heat convection. This ultimately may result in improved feed intake, feed
conversion efficiency and performance. |
