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2017 is the Year of the Rooster in Chinese Zodiac, and here’s Hiroshima University’s unique research on chickens

Graduate School of Biosphere Science Professor Masaoki Tsudzuki’s research group has been researching on how to find a useful DNA in the production of eggs and meat, from the many unique native Japanese chicken breeds hold.

Chicken eggs and chicken meat’s demand has been growing around the world due to the fact that it holds little to religious restrictions, and society’s growing concerns in health. However, the chickens who are native to Japan is mostly held for ornamental use, and most of the chickens that are used for the production of eggs and meat are imported from overseas.

This research group is trying to find a solution to build food security that relies less on imported goods, by utilizing the genetic information they discovered from research, and striving to create unique Japanese chickens.

The Interviews with Professor Masaoki Tsuzuki

Also, at the Japanese Avian Bioresource Project Research Center launched in 2010, they are breeding over 100 breeds and/or varieties such as national protected breeds “Tosa-no- Onagadori (The Japanese Extremely Long Tail),” “Shamo (Japanese Game),” and “Chabo (Japanese Bantam).” From the variety of breeds the Center owns, it has become a domestically leading facility.

At the Center, we are attempting to protect Japanese chickens, maintain the genetic diversity, and pass on the traditional Japanese culture of chickens.

 

Male, Oh-Shamo (Japanese Large Game), Plumage color varieties: White
National Natural Treasure of Japan

A large sized breed, commonly used as a fighting cock, and has an aggressive temper. The body (the line from the shank, breast to throat) is erect . Large sized Oh-Shamos can stand as tall as 80cm tall, and weigh as much as 7kg.

 

Male, Satsuma-Dori (Kagoshima Game), Plumage color varieties: black-breasted red
National Natural Treasure of Japan

It was originally bred for fighting purposes, so it has an aggressive temper. Its special characteristic is wide-spread tail feathers. The male weighs about 4 kg, being a fairly large-sized breed.

 

Male, Tosa-no-Onagadori (The Japanese Extremely Long Tail), Plumage color varieties : black-breasted white
Special National Natural Treasure of Japan

Different from common chickens, part of tail feathers and saddle hackles of males continue to grow throughout their lives. This type is rare even in from the world’s point of view.

 

Male, Uzura-Chabo (Japanese Small Rumplessness), Plumage color varieties: black-breasted white with brown wing coverts
National Natural Treasure of Japan

Uzura-Chabo is a small sized breed, and the males' weight is about 700g. Its tail feathers are genetically missing. Furthermore, parts of the caudal vertebra and lumber vertebra are also missing.

 

Male, Chabo (Japanese Bantam), Plumage color varieties: Black-tailed white
National Natural Treasure of Japan

Chabo is a small-breed, and the males’ weigh is about 750g. Its special features include the curved breast, erect tail, and short legs. It has many varieties. 

 

Male, Ko-Shamo (Japanese Small Game), Plumage color varieties: Black-breasted red
National Natural Treasure of Japan

Also it belongs in the Shamo family, it is a small sized breed; the male is about 20 cm tall, and weighs less than 1kg. The body is small but muscular, and has stern physical features.

 

[Inquiries]
Animal Breeding and Genetics Laboratory
Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University
Tsudzuki*hiroshima-u.ac.jp (Please change * into @)


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