Characterization and improvement of Pollo Brianzolo chicken breed in four generations : phenotypic results

Brianpollo is a research project funded by Regione Lombardia, Italy (2011-2013) aimed to standardise and value Pollo Brianzolo (PB)synthetic breed (Gallus gallus domesticus), a traditional Lombardy breed selected for non-conventional rearing systems. The project aim is to characterize the breed for performance, reactivity and adaptability to the environment. The breed historically originated (1930s) from the cross between White Leghorn (WH) and New Hampshire (NH). The present research involves a foundation group of 6 pure breed families (M/F = 1/3 = WL/NH) and the following seven generations; F1-F7 reared to obtain a standardised PB. The aim of this study was to characterize the hybrids F1-F4 for phenotype, performance and eggs laying characteristics. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics parameters of hatching eggs were recorded weekly and the growth performance data were collected. Animals will be weighted at hatching, at 4, 8, 16 and 24 wks of age. To select the next generation breeders the birds of each generation will be phenotypically screened at the age of 16 wks. Data have been analysed with SPSS statistic package. Birds size and body proportions together with plumage colour and comb shape will be selection objective to standardize birds morphology. Focusing on different generations performance data: some interesting results have been calculated about growth rate: at 16 weeks of age the weight of F4 (1275±256,27g) was higher than F1 (1009,62±220,92g). The preliminary results of this study, considering production performance and behaviour, describe typical productive goals and reactivity parameters for slow growing breeds adapted to alternative low input production systems.