Health indices of indigenous chicken 'Sikhar' of Mizoram

Sikhar bird is an indigenous chicken available in Mizoram state in India. Blood cells of Sikhar showed adaptive characteristics to higher altitude and different management practice. Active period of growth was evident at 2 to 4 months of age as revealed by blood biochemical parameters. Sikhar attained sexual maturity later as compared to other indigenous chicken. Thyroid profile of Sikhar indicated its closeness its wild ancestor, Red Jungle Fowl. The expression of TLR3 and TLR4 was found to vary with age in Sikhar chicken with apparently higher expression of TLR4 concentration. The physiological responses and haemato-biochemical parameters of Sikhar resembled other domesticated indigenous chicken as well as some wild birds.