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VARIOUS BREEDS OF CHICKEN

CHICKEN

Chickens are one of the most common types of bird found in tropical countries after crows and sparrows. It is also one of the most popular domesticated animals in the world.

The population of chickens is more than any other bird. It is the primary source of food, in terms of meat and eggs both.

There are various breeds of chicken that are found in different geographic locations. Primarily chickens can be divided into three breeds:

- Pure breeds - Egg-laying hybrids - Mixed hybrids

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Galliformes

Family: Phasianidae

Subfamily: Phasianinae

Genus: Gallus

Species: G. gallus

Subspecies: G. g. domesticus

ORIGIN OF CHICKENS

The origin of chickens (Gallus domesticus) is a bit of a puzzle.

They were first domesticated from a wild form called red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), a bird that still runs wild in most of southeast Asia, likely hybridized with the grey jungle fowl (G. sonneratii. That occurred probably about 8,000 years ago.

Recent research suggests there may have been multiple origins in distinct areas of South and Southeast Asia, including North and South China, Thailand, Burma and India

MAJOR BREEDS OF CHICKENS

Rhode Island Red

This breed can be further divided into single comb and rose comb.

Chickens of this breed generally weigh from somewhere around six and half pounds to eight and half pounds.

The color of their feathers are yellow and the color of the eggshells are brown.

This is a dual-purpose breed as mentioned above and are used for both purposes when it comes to eggs and meat.

They originated in Rhode Island where they get their deep color and bulky frames.

Langshan

These are available in two varieties, one white and the other black.

The standard weight varies from somewhere around nine and half pounds to seven and a half pounds.

The color of their feathers are white and the color of their eggshells are brown. It is generally used for getting meat than eggs.

It is usually roasted and is well suited for capons than fryers. T

his breed originated in China and they are tall with long legs and tails.

This breed comes across as a very active and energetic breed.

Cornish

This breed is the finest for the meat and broiler industry.

The development of the muscles give it a good build.

The color of the feathers of this breed are yellow and the color of the eggshell is brown.

They are found in dark, white, white laced and buff varieties and weigh somewhere around ten pounds.

This breed developed in the county of Cornwall.

They have a broad and well-muscled body but they also need protection during winters.

Dorking

This breed is known for its fine quality of meat.

They can be found in three varieties namely silver-gray, white and colored.

The standard weight of these varieties are about six pounds. The color of their feathers are white and the color of their eggshells are also white.

It is believed to have originated in Italy and was introduced in England by the Romans.

They have a rectangular-ish frame and short legs.

Appenzeller

This breed originates in the Appenzell region of Switzerland.

There are two varieties of this chicken:

- Spitzhauben

- Barthuhner.

The Appenzeller breed is generally kept as a show breed.

This is not a fighting breed and can live well in confinement.

Jersey giant

This chicken from United States are large chickens who were meant to replace the turkey.

It is recognized by the American Standard of Perfection.

They are very friendly chickens and do well as pets.

The cocks are rarely aggressive and these chickens like begin around people.

Wyandotte

This breed of chicken is docile and kept for meat and eggs.

These medium-sized birds have a rose comb with clean legs.

They are suitable for confinement as well as free range in a run.

These are very vocal chickens who are really friendly with people.

SULTAN

This breed of chicken originates in Turkey. T

They are primarily kept as ornamental breeds and for competitive showing.

Sultans have a decorative plumage and have five toes on each foot.

These are docile and friendly chickens, who do not mind confinement.

USES OF CHICKENS BY MAN

AS FOOD The meat of the chicken, also called "chicken", is a type of

poultry meat. Because of its relatively low cost, chicken is one of the most used meats in the world.

Nearly all parts of the bird can be used for food, and the meat can be cooked in many different ways.

Popular chicken dishes include roasted chicken, fried chicken, chicken soup, Buffalo wings, tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and chicken rice.

Chicken is also a staple of many fast food restaurants.

FOR EGGS

Chicken eggs are widely used in many types of dishes, both sweet and savory, including many baked goods.

Eggs can be scrambled, fried, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, pickled, and poached. The albumen, or egg white, contains protein but little or no fat, and can be used in cooking separately from the yolk.

Egg whites may be aerated or whipped to a light, fluffy consistency and are often used in desserts such as meringues and mousse.

Ground egg shells are sometimes used as a food additive to deliver calcium. Hens do not need a male to produce eggs, only to fertilize them.

A flock containing only females will still produce eggs, however the eggs will all be infertile.

AS PETS

Chickens are sometimes kept as pets and can be tamed by hand feeding, but roosters can sometimes become aggressive and noisy, although aggression can be curbed with proper handling.

Some have advised against keeping them around very young children.

Certain breeds, however, such as silkies and many bantam varieties are generally docile and are often recommended as good pets around children with disabilities. S

some people find chickens' behavior entertaining and educational.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, Chickens are omnivores. In the wild, they often scratch at the soil to search for seeds, insects and even larger animals such as lizards or young mice. Furthermore, chickens may live for five to ten years, depending on the breed. Chickens farmed for meat are called broiler chickens. To add on, chickens will naturally live for 6 or more years, but broiler chickens typically take less than 6 weeks to reach slaughter size. A free range or organic meat chicken will usually be slaughtered at about 14 weeks of age.

REFERENCE

Green-Armytage, Stephen (October 2000). Extraordinary Chickens. Harry N. Abrams. ISBN 0-8109-3343-8.

Smith, Page; Charles Daniel (April 2000). The Chicken Book. University of Georgia Press. ISBN 0-8203-2213-X.

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