Characterisation of functional traits for sustainable and ecological use of the domestic chicken
ÖkoGen project is aimed at the biodiverse and sustainable utilisation of native dual-purpose chickens. These are often described as robust, of high quality and suitable for organic farming - without there being any actual evidence for this. The ÖkoGen project therefore addresses the characterisation of local chicken breeds and their crosses with 2 economic lines (fattening or laying direction), which are established in the associated ‘RegioHuhn’ project. Reliable statements about their characteristics, necessary husbandry requirements and future breeding strategies are an essential basis for successful implementation in the food chain. ÖkoGen therefore aims to research the suitability of this diversity for organic farming. The ÖkoGen project combines the requirements of organic farming for the animals with an overall systemic testing approach of the crossbreds established in the ‘RegioHuhn’ project.The characteristics and needs of the animals to be utilised must be researched in order to meet the requirements of sustainable poultry farming and to implement the breeds and their crosses in organic farming. In order to achieve this goal, ÖkoGen is focussing on the genetic characteristics of the animals with regard to animal health, animal welfare, animal nutrition, product quality and consumer acceptance as well as the preservation and improvement of the genetics through selection so that they can be used with their characteristics over generations.
carried out under the conditions of a station test and field test in the RegioHuhn project:
- Resistance to endoparasites,
- Immunocompetence and virus resistance,
- Bone stability as a guarantee of good mobility and animal health,
- Behaviour as an essential characteristic of animal welfare,
- Product quality as the basis for consumer acceptance,
- Feeding strategies, and
- Breeding planning for the development of appropriate breeding programmes.
Project partners:
Running time:
Beginn: 1.10.2022 | Ende: 30.9.2025
Funding reference number:
2819OE167
Funding:
