Ayam Cemani is an uncommon and relatively modern breed of chicken from Indonesia. They have a dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation (Fibromelanosis), making the chicken entirely black; including feathers, beak, and internal organs.
Video Ayam Cemani
Etymology
Ayam means "chicken" in Bahasa Indonesia. Cemani refers to the village on the island of Java where this breed of chicken originates.
Maps Ayam Cemani
Origin
The breed originated from the island of Java, Indonesia (also found as Kadaknath in Dantewada, India) and have probably been used for centuries for religious and mystical purpose. The breed was first described by Dutch colonial settlers and first imported to Europe in 1998 by Dutch breeder Jan Steverink. Currently, this breed of chickens are kept in the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It is thought that Ayam Cemani may have also been brought to Europe by Dutch seamen.
Description
Their beak and tongue, black comb and wattles; even their meat, bones and organs appear black. The blood of the Ayam Cemani is normally colored. The birds' black color occurs as a result of excess pigmentation of the tissues, caused by a genetic condition known as fibromelanosis. This gene is also found in some other black fowl breeds. The roosters weigh 2-2.5 kg and the hens from 1.5-2 kg. The hens lay cream-colored eggs with a slight pink tint, although they are poor setters and rarely hatch their own brood. Eggs weigh an average of 45 g.
In the past individual birds in the United States of America have been priced at $2500.
See also
- Melanism
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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