Avian Production Management

POULTRY BREEDS-HISTORY OF EVOLUTION

• In the process of evolution, cold blooded (poikilotherms) reptiles are the ancestors of birds
• The birds are warm blooded, (homeotherms) feathered and flying reptiles, adapted for hot and dry climate of their terrestrial habitat
• Now birds are classified into the class Aves, Subclass Neornithes, super order Ratitae (flat breast bone- Ostrich, Emu and Kiwi) and Carinatae (Keel breast bone- all flying birds)
• Red jungle fowl - closely resembles chicken so that there is no doubt that it was the main ancestor.
• Historical and scientific documentations suggest that domestication of chicken originated from the Asian continent only. China, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other South East Asian countries were the home of the ancient jungle fowls from which the modern day breeds and commercial strains of chicken were evolved.

Zoological names of domesticated fowls with Chromosome number

Sl. No.	Common Name	Zoological Name and Chromosome number (2n)
1.	Chicken	Gallus gallus domesticus -78
2.	Duck	Anas platyrynchos - 80
3.	Turkey	Meleagris gallopavo - 80
4.	Goose	Anser anser- 80
5.	Japanese quail	Coturnix coturnix japonica - 78
6.	Bobwhite quail	Colinus virginianus -78
7.	Guinea fowl	Numida meleagris - 78
8.	Partridge	Perdix perdix- 80
9.	Pheasant	Phasianus colchicus - 82
10.	Pea fowl	Pavo cristatus – 80
11.	Ostrich	Struthio camelus – 80
12.	Pigeon	Columba livia – 80
13.	Dove	Columba oenas -80
14. 15.	Muscovy Duck Emu	Cairina moschata – 80 Dromaius novaehollandiae-80