Ann. Méd. Vét., 2008, 152 (4), pp 203-220 Conservation and enhanced utilization
of chicken genetic resources in Europe: initiatives and perspectivesLARIVIÈRE J.-M., LEROY P.Abstract :
Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)
genetic diversity is made up of a range of populations: experimental lines, commercial stocks and traditional breeds. These were developed over many centuries and the rise of intensive
genetic selection for production traits led to specialized lines for meat or eggs. Although ancient chicken breeds are still highly connected to cultural values, geographical origins and adapted
to local environments, many of them have undergone a major decrease in their population size, thus erosion of their genetic diversity. Socio-economic changes, liberalization of markets for
industrial animal products, urbanisation, political instabilities,
wars, natural disasters, poorly
monitored sanitary status and the
additional risk of epidemic outbreaks
such as Avian influenza has led ancient breeds, to a risk of extinction. Awareness of the need to conserve such resources has increased and created
an urgent need to coordinate efforts for inventory, evaluation and preservation of chicken diversity. A review of these initiatives is overviewed to understand the importance of settled conservation programmes in
Europe. Moreover, perspectives offered by some traditional breeds through their phenotypic and genetic characterization, toward enhanced utilization, are presented. Get the PDF Contact person : Jean-Marc.Lariviere@ulg.ac.be |