Conservation of local Turkish and Italian chicken breeds: a case study

ÖZDEMİR D., Ozdemir E. D., De Marchi M., Cassandro M.

ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, vol.12, no.2, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 12 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.4081/ijas.2013.e49
  • Journal Name: ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Sustainable conservation, Local breeds, Denizli Breed, Biodiversity, Chicken, INFRARED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY, POULTRY GENETIC-RESOURCES, IN-SITU CONSERVATION, BIODIVERSITY, DIVERSITY, MARKERS, TRACEABILITY, POPULATIONS, COUNTRIES, FUTURE
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Increased global use of highly productive breeds of farm animals has been associated with a loss of genetic diversity in most species, especially in local poultry species. Since 2000, in Italy, and most of all in Veneto region, various governmental, non-governmental and private organizations have tried to preserve the genetic diversity of poultry resources. This successful conservation effort has included various activities: improving knowledge on biological functions, conserving typical morphological characteristics, developing a selection of strategies, controlling inbreeding and, valorizing strategies to diffuse breeds in local productive systems. These activities represent a good example for developing countries such as Turkey. With the aim of helping to conservate Turkish poultry resources, this study describes the current status of local chicken breeds in Turkey and Italy, and makes some recommendations for developing countries such as Turkey.