Comparative evaluation of local poultry breeds status in Algeria, Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Local chicken breeds contribute significantly to the world production of meat and eggs.
Indigenous breeds represent 80% of the world poultry population. However, the majority of
these breeds has not been recorded and studied. About 40% of poultry breeds have an
unknown risk status. Hence, considerable efforts are necessary to evaluate them. Obviously,
managing animal genetic resources requires the identification of the concerned phenotypes,
population sizes, their geographical distribution, and their genetic diversity within and
between breeds, using molecular biology methods. Nevertheless, the thorough understanding
of the breeding contexts within which they are found is an oft-neglected prerequisite to set up
sustainable management strategy of these resources. In the framework of our studies, the
characterization of local poultry populations and their breeding systems have been carried out
in Northeastern Algeria, Northern Vietnam and Southwestern Congo (DRC). A large
phenotypic diversity has been revealed in each region of study, contributing different insights
into the concept of local breed. The breeding systems have in common multiple objectives
(nutritional, financial, and socio-cultural). Women and children played an important role in
family poultry farming. The latter elements are, however, subject to variations between the
regions of study and within them. Thus, solutions aiming at the promotion of biodiversity in
poultry need to be tailored in accordance with the uniqueness of each breeding context.