Phenotypic characterization of Paraoakan chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) in selected municipalities of Palawan, Philippines
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Published
May 28, 2026
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Frances Muriel L. Tuquero
Abstract
This study assessed the Paraoakan chicken Gallus gallus domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) characteristics such as the birds' morphology, productivity, adaptability, and raising challenges through survey interviews of 96 raisers from seven municipalities of Palawan. Primarily raised for personal consumption, these chickens exhibit normal and plain feather morphology with varied plumage colors and pea combs. Paraoakans predominantly had white skin, yellow shanks, red earlobes, and pea-sized combs. The roosters, on the average, weighed 2.3 kg, measured 40.83 cm in body length, and had a chest circumference of 35.35 cm, with shanks and wingspan measuring 9.98 cm and 43.90 cm, respectively. The hens are generally smaller averaging 1.67 kg weight, 36.90 cm body length, 31.63 cm chest circumference, 8.44 cm shank length, and 43.10 cm wingspan. Paraoakans lay small-sized, white, and brown-colored eggs. Raisers reported that these chickens had a hatchability rate of 86.57%. With a range of 20 to 50 eggs per year, egg production of Paraoakan peaks at 6-8 months. Paraoakan plays a vital role in local food security and rural livelihoods in Palawan, being considered the biggest native breed in the country. At a slaughter weight of 1.0 to 1.5 kg and a 0.5 kg average carcass yield, it is regarded as having a good dressing percentage of 50% to 66%. However, despite being regarded as disease-tolerant, common issues like coryza, fowlpox, and lice infestation are usual issues faced by raisers. This study provides baseline data for sustainable and productive breeding and conservation programs. A comprehensive breeding and training program can be started for growers to establish best practices, enhance disease management, and improve flock health and performance.
How to Cite
Tuquero, F. M. L. (2026). Phenotypic characterization of Paraoakan chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) in selected municipalities of Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 18(1), 216–228. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2026.18.1.22
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Keywords
livestock, native chicken, Palawan chicken, phenotypic characterization
References
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Bondoc OL, Santiago RC, Bustos AR, Ebron AO, Ramos AR. 2021. Grading and size classification of chicken eggs produced by native, egg-type, meat-type, dual-purpose, and fancy-type breeds under Philippine conditions. International Journal of Poultry Science. 20(2):87–97. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2021.87.97
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Gheyas AA, Vallejo-Trujillo A, Kebede A, Lozano-Jaramillo M, Tadelle D, Smith J, Hanotte O. 2021. Integrated environmental and genomic analysis reveals the drivers of local adaptation in African indigenous chickens. Molecular Biology and Evolution. 36(10):4268–4285. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msab156
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Haunshi S, Devatkal S, Prince LLL, Ullengala R, Ramasamy K, Chatterjee R. 2022. Carcass characteristics, meat quality, and nutritional composition of Kadaknath, a native chicken breed of India. Foods. 12(22):1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11223603
Jacob JP, Wilson HR, Miles RD, Butcher GD, Mather FB. 2014. Factors affecting egg production in backyard chicken. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida, IFAS Extension. 2003(6):6. https://doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-PS029-1998
Kpomasse CC, Kouame YAE, N’nanle O, Houndonougbo FM, Tona K, Oke OE. 2023. The productivity and resilience of indigenous chickens in tropical environments: improvement and future perspectives. Journal of Applied Animal Research. 51(1):456–469. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2023.2228374
Lopez RV Jr, Lambio AL, Vega RSA, De Guia APO. 2013. Phenotypic characterization of native chicken in Palawan, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. 39(2):147–156.
Lopez RV Jr, Lambio AL, Vega RSA, De Guia APO. 2014. Management practices of native chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus) production in Palawan, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. 40(2):109–120.
Maharani D, Wihandoyo G, Galuh AI, Laurentia A, Hariyono DNH. 2019. Phenotypic characterization of Indonesian native chicken with different combs. International Journal of Poultry Science. 18(3):136–143. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2019.136.143
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Osei-Amponsah R, Kayang BB, Naazie A, Tixier-Boichard M. 2015. Phenotypic characterization of local Ghanaian chickens: egg-laying performance under improved management conditions. Animal Genetic Resources. 56:29–35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2078633615000041
Padhi MK. 2016. Importance of indigenous breeds of chicken for rural economy and their improvements for higher production performance. Scientifica. 2016(6):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2604685
Rashid MH, Islam MS, Rahman MM. 2020. Validation of a non-electric brooder for rural poultry farmers in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Livestock Research. 27(1–2):45–53.
Roxas NP, Escarlos JA Jr. 2000. Growth performance of Philippine native and broiler chickens under varying temperature and humidity. Philippine Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. 26:185-195.
Sarker NR, Islam MS. 2018. Phenotypic characterization of native chicken populations in Bangladesh. Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research. 5(1):95–102.
Sarker NR, Bhuiyan MSA, Faruque O, Ali A, Lee JH. 2012. Phenotypic characterization of Aseel chicken in Bangladesh. Korean Journal of Poultry Science. 39(1):9–15.https://doi.org/10.5536/KJPS.2012.39.1.009
Santiago JC, Achuela QHH, Batara DCR, Gann PJI. 2022. Phenotypic and molecular diversity of native chicken genetic groups in the Philippines. In: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICSSH 2021); 2022 Jan 3; Atlantis Press. p. 630. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220103.046
Sazzad MH. 1992. Comparative study on egg production and feed efficiency of different breeds of poultry under intensive and rural conditions in Bangladesh. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 4(3):65–69.
Serbessa TA, Geleta YG, Terfa IO. 2023. Review on diseases and health management of poultry and swine. International Journal of Avian and Wildlife Biology. 7(1):27–38. https://doi.org/10.15406/ijawb.2023.07.00187
Serkalem A, Abebe BK, Gobena AH. 2023. A study on egg quality and hatching traits of indigenous and exotic chickens reared in Silte Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Heliyon. 9(8):e19126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19126
Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity. 2023. Paroakan Chicken Ark of taste. [accessed 2023 Jul 7]. https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/paroakan-chicken/
Tadele D, Million T, Alemu Y, Peters K. 2003. Village chicken production systems in Ethiopia: flock characteristics and performance. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 15(1):9. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd15/1/tadea151.htm
Tadele A, Melesse A, Taye M. 2018. Phenotypic and morphological characterizations of indigenous chicken populations in Kaffa Zone, South-Western Ethiopia. Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Veterinary Science. 2(1):1–9. https://doi.org/10.15761/AHDVS.1000128
Wolanski NJ, Renema RA, Robinson FE, Carney VL, Fancher BI. 2006. Relationship between chick conformation and quality measures with early growth traits in males of eight selected pure or commercial broiler breeder strains. Poultry Science. 85(8):1490–1497. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/85.8.1490
Ajayi FO. 2010. Nigerian Indigenous Chicken: A Valuable Genetic Resource for Meat and Egg Production. Asian Journal of Poultry Science. 4:164-172. https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ajpsaj.2010.164.172
Austral TM Jr, Olaybar BB, Palma SS, Cagatin ES, Canizares-Gallardo LP. 2022. Reproductive performance of the Philippines Caraga black native chicken. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. 21(6):178–183.
Austral TM Jr, Olaybar BB, Palma SS, Cagatin ES, Gallardo LC. 2022. Morphological characteristics of the Philippines Caraga black native chicken. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. 21(5):72–78.
Bondoc OL, Santiago RC, Bustos AR, Ebron AO, Ramos AR. 2021. Grading and size classification of chicken eggs produced by native, egg-type, meat-type, dual-purpose, and fancy-type breeds under Philippine conditions. International Journal of Poultry Science. 20(2):87–97. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2021.87.97
Bureau of Agricultural Research. 2022. What’s new on native chicken production. Native chicken production headlines. DA-BAR online seminar series. [accessed 2024 Feb 4]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iwEYadQCTs
Baguio S. 2019. Study of Palawan’s ‘Paraokan’ native chicken eyed. [accessed 2023 Aug 23]. https://palawan-news.com/study-of-palawans-%20paraokan-native-chicken-eyed/?amp1
Chatterjee RN, Sharma RP, Reddy MR, Niranjan M, Reddy BLN. 2007. Growth, body conformation and immune-responsiveness in two Indian native chicken breeds. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 19(10). Growth, body conformation and immuneresponsiveness in two Indian native chicken breeds
Chicken Breed Guide. 2021. All about the Philippine native chicken breeds. [accessed 2023 Jul 12]. https://chickenbreedguide.com
Desha NH, Bhuiyan MSA, Islam F, Bhuiyan AKFH. 2016. Non-genetic factors affecting growth performance of indigenous chicken in rural villages. Journal of Tropical Resources and Sustainable Science. 4(2):122–127. https://doi.org/10.47253/jtrss.v4i2.620
Dolberg F. 2003. Review of household poultry production as a tool in poverty reduction focusing on Bangladesh and India. PPLPI Working Paper No. 6. Rome (Italy): Food and Agriculture Organization. Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative. 40p. [accessed 2023 Jul 12]. http://www.fao.org
DOST-PCAARRD. 2016. Enhancing the potentials of Philippine native chicken through science and technology. Livestock Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD S and T Media Service. [accessed 2023 Aug 24]. https://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/quick-information-dispatch-qid-articles/enhancing-the-potentials-of-the-philippine-native-chicken-through-s-t
Ebarle KHA, Arevalo DC. 2023. Growth performance of native chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) using varied levels of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) leaf meal as feed supplement. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies. 6(1). https://doi.org/10.33826/ijmras/v06i01.6
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). 2010. Smallholder poultry production – livelihoods, food security and sociocultural significance. [accessed 2023 Jul 7]. https://www.fao.org/4/al674e/al674e00.pdf
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). 2012. Phenotypic characterization of animal genetic resources. [accessed 2023 Jul 7]. https://www.fao.org/4/i2686e/i2686e00.pdf
Gheyas AA, Vallejo-Trujillo A, Kebede A, Lozano-Jaramillo M, Tadelle D, Smith J, Hanotte O. 2021. Integrated environmental and genomic analysis reveals the drivers of local adaptation in African indigenous chickens. Molecular Biology and Evolution. 36(10):4268–4285. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msab156
Grobbelaar JAN, Sutherland B, Molalakgotla NM. 2010. Egg production potentials of certain indigenous chicken breeds from South Africa. Animal Genetic Resources. 46:25–32. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2078633610000664
Haunshi S, Devatkal S, Prince LLL, Ullengala R, Ramasamy K, Chatterjee R. 2022. Carcass characteristics, meat quality, and nutritional composition of Kadaknath, a native chicken breed of India. Foods. 12(22):1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11223603
Jacob JP, Wilson HR, Miles RD, Butcher GD, Mather FB. 2014. Factors affecting egg production in backyard chicken. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida, IFAS Extension. 2003(6):6. https://doi.org/10.32473/EDIS-PS029-1998
Kpomasse CC, Kouame YAE, N’nanle O, Houndonougbo FM, Tona K, Oke OE. 2023. The productivity and resilience of indigenous chickens in tropical environments: improvement and future perspectives. Journal of Applied Animal Research. 51(1):456–469. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2023.2228374
Lopez RV Jr, Lambio AL, Vega RSA, De Guia APO. 2013. Phenotypic characterization of native chicken in Palawan, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. 39(2):147–156.
Lopez RV Jr, Lambio AL, Vega RSA, De Guia APO. 2014. Management practices of native chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus) production in Palawan, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. 40(2):109–120.
Maharani D, Wihandoyo G, Galuh AI, Laurentia A, Hariyono DNH. 2019. Phenotypic characterization of Indonesian native chicken with different combs. International Journal of Poultry Science. 18(3):136–143. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2019.136.143
Manila Bulletin Agriculture. 2022. Breeding and caring for Darag native chickens. Manila Bulletin Online. [accessed 2026 Feb 26]. https://mb.com.ph/2022/5/2/breeding-and-caring-for-darag-native-chickens
Osei-Amponsah R, Kayang BB, Naazie A, Tixier-Boichard M. 2015. Phenotypic characterization of local Ghanaian chickens: egg-laying performance under improved management conditions. Animal Genetic Resources. 56:29–35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2078633615000041
Padhi MK. 2016. Importance of indigenous breeds of chicken for rural economy and their improvements for higher production performance. Scientifica. 2016(6):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2604685
Rashid MH, Islam MS, Rahman MM. 2020. Validation of a non-electric brooder for rural poultry farmers in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Livestock Research. 27(1–2):45–53.
Roxas NP, Escarlos JA Jr. 2000. Growth performance of Philippine native and broiler chickens under varying temperature and humidity. Philippine Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. 26:185-195.
Sarker NR, Islam MS. 2018. Phenotypic characterization of native chicken populations in Bangladesh. Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research. 5(1):95–102.
Sarker NR, Bhuiyan MSA, Faruque O, Ali A, Lee JH. 2012. Phenotypic characterization of Aseel chicken in Bangladesh. Korean Journal of Poultry Science. 39(1):9–15.https://doi.org/10.5536/KJPS.2012.39.1.009
Santiago JC, Achuela QHH, Batara DCR, Gann PJI. 2022. Phenotypic and molecular diversity of native chicken genetic groups in the Philippines. In: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICSSH 2021); 2022 Jan 3; Atlantis Press. p. 630. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220103.046
Sazzad MH. 1992. Comparative study on egg production and feed efficiency of different breeds of poultry under intensive and rural conditions in Bangladesh. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 4(3):65–69.
Serbessa TA, Geleta YG, Terfa IO. 2023. Review on diseases and health management of poultry and swine. International Journal of Avian and Wildlife Biology. 7(1):27–38. https://doi.org/10.15406/ijawb.2023.07.00187
Serkalem A, Abebe BK, Gobena AH. 2023. A study on egg quality and hatching traits of indigenous and exotic chickens reared in Silte Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Heliyon. 9(8):e19126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19126
Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity. 2023. Paroakan Chicken Ark of taste. [accessed 2023 Jul 7]. https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/paroakan-chicken/
Tadele D, Million T, Alemu Y, Peters K. 2003. Village chicken production systems in Ethiopia: flock characteristics and performance. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 15(1):9. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd15/1/tadea151.htm
Tadele A, Melesse A, Taye M. 2018. Phenotypic and morphological characterizations of indigenous chicken populations in Kaffa Zone, South-Western Ethiopia. Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Veterinary Science. 2(1):1–9. https://doi.org/10.15761/AHDVS.1000128
Wolanski NJ, Renema RA, Robinson FE, Carney VL, Fancher BI. 2006. Relationship between chick conformation and quality measures with early growth traits in males of eight selected pure or commercial broiler breeder strains. Poultry Science. 85(8):1490–1497. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/85.8.1490
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