Review Article
The Origins and Spread of Domestic Chickens in Africa: A Synthesis of Archaeological, Ethnographic, and Genetic Perspectives
Charles Moses Lyimo*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
123-139
Received:
14 April 2025
Accepted:
30 April 2025
Published:
30 June 2025
Abstract: The domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is one of the most widespread livestock species globally, believed to have originated from Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent over the last 10,000 years. Genetic and archaeological evidence supports multiple independent domestication events involving several wild junglefowl species. This review aimed to synthesize multidisciplinary evidence to trace domestic chickens' origin, dispersal, and their impact in Africa. Specifically, it examined the historical, genetic, and cultural pathways of chicken introduction and adaptation on the continent. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Peer-reviewed archaeological, linguistic, ethnographic, and molecular genetic studies were integrated, emphasizing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), microsatellite markers, and archaeological site data. Findings reveal two major introduction waves of chickens into Africa: the first via the Mediterranean route through Egypt during the Ptolemaic period (300 BC), and the second through the Indian Ocean maritime trade networks between the early and mid-1st millennium AD. Subsequent overland dispersals extended chickens across the Sahara, Horn of Africa, and West Africa. Genetic studies highlight the complex admixture of maternal lineages from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, while ethnographic and linguistic data reveal regional adaptation and cultural integration of chickens in African societies. In conclusion, chickens have played multifaceted roles in African food security, economy, and tradition. The evidence underlines a need for conservation of African indigenous chickens, which harbor valuable genetic traits crucial for adaptability and resilience. It is recommended that future research prioritizes whole-genome sequencing, regional genetic characterization, and community-based conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable poultry development in Africa.
Abstract: The domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is one of the most widespread livestock species globally, believed to have originated from Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent over the last 10,000 years. Genetic and archaeological evidence supports multiple independent domestication events involving several wild junglefowl species. This revie...
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Research Article
Assessments of the Slaughter Characteristics and Meat Quality of Different Cattle Strains Finished on Three Dietary Treatments
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
140-148
Received:
23 April 2025
Accepted:
10 May 2025
Published:
15 July 2025
Abstract: A study was conducted at Kongwa Ranch to examine the effects of three diets and two cattle strains of Tanzanian Short Horn Zebu (Iringa red and Singida White) and Boran breed as a control breed. A total of forty-five bulls (15 Boran, 15 Iringa red and 15 Singida white) were confined in a feedlot and supplied with three (3) diets (D1, D2 and D3) formulated for finishing cattle using energy based feedstuffs obtained from locally available feed materials. The diets were fed to the three that groups of bulls for 80 days, and thereafter slaughtered. After evisceration, the carcasss and non-carcass components, that are head, skin, tail, feet, tail and testis were weighed. A sample of longissimus dorsi muscle (LD muscle) was removed from the left side of each carcass along the 6-13th ribs and the 6th rib joint was removed from the right side of each carcass. The samples were taken to laboratory for assessments of carcass composition and meat quality. The results showed that the highest values of non-carcass components, such as weights (kg) of head (13.4), pluck (5.20), feet (5.73), testis (0.76) and penis (1.2) were observed on Boran bulls, though not different (P>0.05) from those of Irringa Red strain [head (12.85), pluck (4.64), eet (5.63), testis (0.780) and penis (1.12)]. The mean values of pH (5.24) and tenderness (64.7N/cm2) were lowest in the Boran followed by Iringa Red bulls [pH (5.26) and tenderness (74.05N/cm2)] compared to those of Singida White [pH (5.32) and tenderness (75.5N/cm2)], however these values were not different (P>0.05). Significant interaction effects between diets and strains were observed on the fat weight and proportion of fat, that the Iringa Red bulls when fed on diet D1 the fat increased above that of Boran and Singida White, while when fed with D3 the weight of fat decrease below that of Boran and Singida strains, The right proportion of fat observed when fed on diet D2. In conclusion, the Iringa Red cattle strain finished in feedlot using diet D2 produced heavy carcasses with right proportions of edible meat and quality attributes matched well with those of Boran. Stakeholders of beef cattle are advised to opt for Diet D2 for finishing the Iringa Red strain in feedlot for enhancing productivity and quality of beef in the sector. Further studies are needed in screening more locally available feed resources to develop formulations for finishing different strains of the TSHZ cattle to increase the demanded prime beef in the country.
Abstract: A study was conducted at Kongwa Ranch to examine the effects of three diets and two cattle strains of Tanzanian Short Horn Zebu (Iringa red and Singida White) and Boran breed as a control breed. A total of forty-five bulls (15 Boran, 15 Iringa red and 15 Singida white) were confined in a feedlot and supplied with three (3) diets (D1, D2 and D3) for...
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