Are you searching for information about the classification of poultry? If yes, you are in the right place. Here we are describing more about poultry classification. Hope this guide will help you.
Actually, learning about classification of poultry is a must for successful poultry farming business. It helps to manage and select birds effectively for specific purposes.
All kinds of poultry birds lived in the forest, in ancient time. In case of chicken, India and middle area of East Asia is considered as the original homeland of chicken.
Jungle chicken of prehistoric era first raised as domestic bird in some area like Malay and Java of south east Asia. Then people used to hunt bird form jungle for meat and raise them at home for chicken fight as a source of entertainment.
It is thought that, modern chicken originated from red jungle chicken of that time. Here we are trying to describe more about poultry classification based on the class, breed, variety, strain, purpose etc.
What is Classification of Poultry?
The classification of poultry involves dividing the domesticated birds into different categories based on species, purpose, and physical traits.
Why is Poultry Classification Important?
Poultry classification is important because it helps to manage and select birds effectively for specific purposes. Classification of poultry streamlines the poultry industry by categorizing birds based on species, purpose, and physical characteristics.
This classification is also important in optimizing meat and egg production, improving bird health, and ensuring that poultry meet market demands. It also helps in selecting birds for their desired traits.
Scientific Classification of Poultry
Scientific classification of poultry is shown in the table below.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Sub-Class | Neornithes |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Subfamily | Phasianinae |
| Genus | Gallus |
| Species | G. gallus |
| Subspecies | G. g. domesticus |
| Scientific Name | Gallus gallus domesticus |
Poultry Classification Based on Class
Poultry birds can be classified into different categories. For example, chicken originated from a certain place with same or similar characteristics are of same class. For example, Asiatic class, European class, American class etc.
Poultry Classification Based on Breeds
Different poultry birds are classified into different categories based on the breed. For example, under a same class, chicken with same size, shape and characteristic similarity with each other are of same breed. Like, Leghorn, Minorca etc.
Poultry Classification Based on Variety
Poultry birds are also classified into different categories based on variety. Variety is detected by feather color, heat crest or other physical characteristics within a breed. For example, White Leghorn, Black Minorca etc.
Poultry Classification Based on Strain
Strain are made for a certain purpose by internal insemination of at least five generation. For example, Star Cross White, Star Cross Brown, Star Brow etc.
Hybrid
In case of chicken, the hybrid chicken are developed for increasing quality and production by inseminating with same or other breed strain. Hybrid chicken become more productive than their parents.
Layer Hybrid: Layer hybrid are made for producing more eggs by inseminating with same or other selected breeds.
Broiler Hybrid: Meat producing birds are called broilers. In case of chickens, broilers are 6-8 weeks old chicken weighs between 2-2.5 kg, which are used for only meat production purpose.
Poultry Classification Based on Age
Poultry birds are also classified into different categories based on their age. For example, chicken aged between 9-20 weeks of age are called growing chickens.
Poultry Classification According to Origin
In case of chickens, they are classified into different categories according to their origin. The chicken are of four types based on their origin.
- Asiatic Poultry Breeds: Brahma, longson, cochin, asil etc.
- English Poultry Breeds: Austrolorp, cornish, dorking, orpington etc.
- Mediterranean Poultry Breeds: Leghorn, minorca, ancona, fayoumi etc.
- American Poultry Breeds: Road island red, new hampshire, plymouth rock etc.
Classification On the Basis of Production
In case of chickens, they are classified into different categories on the basis of production.
1. Layer Poultry
Layer is for egg production. Some popular layer chicken breeds are Leghorn, Minorca, Ancona, Fayoumi, Isa Brown, Babycock, Star Cross, Lohman etc. And some popular laying duck breeds are Khaki Campbell, Indian Runner etc.
2. Broiler Poultry
Broiler is for meat production. For example, broiler chicken are only for meat production. Some popular broiler chicken breeds are Plymouth Rock, Cornish, Sussex, Dorking, Cochin, Brahma, Asil, Star Brow, Hi-line etc.
3. Dual-Purpose Poultry
This types of breed are used for the purpose of both egg and meat production. Some popular dual-purpose chicken breeds are Rhode island red, New Hampshire, Plymouth Rock etc.
Some Facts About the Classification of Poultry
Here we are some important facts about the classification of poultry:
- Classification of poultry categorizes various species, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quails, and more.
- Poultry classification is done based on their primary use, such as meat production (broilers), egg production (layers), or dual-purpose birds.
- Poultry birds are classified by their physical characteristics such as size, plumage color, feather type, comb shape, and leg color.
- Classification distinguishes between heritage breeds and modern breeds.
- Poultry birds can be classified based on their comb types, including single comb, rose comb, pea comb, and others, which can vary between breeds.
- Some classifications consider the temperament of poultry breeds, which can range from docile and friendly to more aggressive or independent.
- Poultry classification can also differ regionally.
- Some classifications focus on genetic lines within breeds, recognizing variations and specific traits developed through selective breeding.
- Some poultry birds are classified for their ornamental value and are showcased in poultry shows and exhibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many people ask questions about classification of poultry. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about poultry classification, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What are the two classification of poultry?
Broiler and layers are the main two types of poultry.
What are the 5 classification of poultry?
5 common types of poultry are chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowl.
What are the 6 major classes of poultry?
6 major classes of poultry are Asiatic, American, English, Continental, Mediterranean and all other Standard breeds.
What are the classification of poultry house?
Generally, the poultry house is classified into three systems. They are free range, intensive and semi-intensive.
What are the 4 types of poultry?
4 types of poultry are Asiatic, American, English and Mediterranean.
What are 5 poultry products?
Most common and top 5 poultry products are chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowl.
Why is it important to learn the different classification of poultry?
When cooking poultry, chefs know choosing the right bird will affect the outcome of a final dish. That’s why most recipes call for a fryer, roaster, or other class—terms based on the age and sex of the bird and printed on poultry labels.[1]
What is variety in poultry?
A variety is a subdivision of a poultry breed.
How many types of poultry birds are there?
There are numerous poultry birds available. Most common poultry birds are chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowl.
What are examples of poultry products?
Meat, eggs and feathers.
What is the most popular poultry?
Chicken is the most common and most popular poultry.
What is the main product of poultry?
Meat and eggs are the main products of poultry.
What are the five importance of poultry farming?
The main five importance of poultry farming business are;
- Poultry farming is a great way to enhance food security.
- A great way of employment for the unemployed people.
- Great way for making good profits.
- Poultry products (especially meat and eggs) play a very important role to keep you healthy.
- You can start with little investment and make good profits.
What are layers in poultry?
Layers are those poultry birds which are kept and used for eggs production purpose.
What are broilers in poultry?
Broilers are poultry birds which are used for meat production purpose.
Excellent details
Thanks for your honest opinion! Good luck!
What is the scientific name for grower?
Gallus gallus domesticus for all chickens. No different scientific name for grower. Thank you!