Conservation of local Turkish and Italian chicken breeds: a case study

Increased global use of highly productive breeds of farm animals has been associated with a loss of genetic diversity in most species, especially in local poultry species. Since 2000, in Italy, and most of all in Veneto region, various governmental, non-governmental and private organizations have tried to preserve the genetic diversity of poultry resources. This successful conservation effort has included various activities: improving knowledge on biological functions, conserving typical morphological characteristics, developing a selection of strategies, controlling inbreeding and, valorizing strategies to diffuse breeds in local productive systems. These activities represent a good example for developing countries such as Turkey. With the aim of helping to conservate Turkish poultry resources, this study describes the current status of local chicken breeds in Turkey and Italy, and makes some recommendations for developing countries such as Turkey.