Characterization of Beldi chicken and turkeys in rural poultry flocks of Morocco. Current state and future outlook

Abstract

SummaryThe main characteristics of Beldi (meaning “native” in Arabic) poultry raised in rural areas were studied in the Khenifra Region through extensive surveys.Beldi chickens have large phenotypic variability. Black, brown, grey and white colours, pure or mixed, are frequently observed in chickens' featherings while turkeys are predominantly bronze. Plumage types were fairly homogeneous in both species. Single combs and dented combs were respectively predominant in chicken hens and roosters.Sexual maturity was reached at 154 days for roosters, 168 for hens in chicken, around 217 days for toms and 231 for turkey hens. The age at first egg averaged 5.8 months for hens and 8.4 months for turkey hens. The number of eggs laid per hen per year was 78 for chicken and 69 for turkey. Hatchability rate was 78 and 80 percent for chicken and turkeys, respectively. Diseases were the main cause of mortality, which could affect up to 77 percent of chicken flocks.Few preliminary urgent steps for the conservation of Beldi poultry are discussed with other production improvement proposals.