PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CREOLE HEN (Gallus gallus L.) IN A MICROREGION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO.

Abstract

The composition of the morphologic and morphometric diversity of Creole hens and roosters (Gallus gallus L.) was evaluated in four communities of the micro-region of Coyopolan in the municipality of Ixhuacan de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico. There were 366 hens and 99 roosters which were characterized; 44 qualitative variables were analyzed and 5 quantitative. The Simpson (IDS) and Shannon (H) Diversity Indexes were estimated, as well as the Index of Balanced Distribution (IDE). Dominance was found in the color of plumage, with red and black being the colors of highest predisposition; another dominant trait was the distribution and morphology of the normal feather and the red lobule of the ear and orange iris also had greater presence. The Simpson and Shannon Diversity Indexes reflected that there is mean phenotypical diversity both for females and for males; instead, the Balanced Distribution Index denoted low distribution in roosters, where the highest IDE was 0.15489 and the lowest 0.00199; meanwhile, in hens the lowest IDE was 0.11376 and the highest 0.11970. It is suggested to implement conservation strategies for the Creole hen as a local resource in the micro-region of study.