Towards conservation of Omani local chicken

Local chicken farming represents one of the main agricultural activities that provide opportunities for food security and income for many rural families. This thesis describes the production systems and provides a genetic characterisation of local chicken in Oman. It also draws a comprehensive picture of the role that Oman and the Arabian Peninsula played in the transfer and dispersal of chicken by maritime trade between Asia and Africa. The findings of this study should be considered by policy makers for initiating a conservation program of local chicken in Oman.