> But then I remember that my species comes from eastern Africa...
via Madagascar via South East Asia, assuming I'm remembering Jared Diamond correctly. I wonder if there are any Polynesian strains with interesting genetic diversity.
I was being fuzzy with my language. Between 5kya and 3kya [1], the domesticated chickens that began their journey in mainland Asia ended up as part of the standard toolkit of the Melanesian and Polynesian people that spread widely throughout the Pacific. If any of those chicken strains remain, they might be genetically unique compared to what we find in mainland Asia today.
I'm interested in the origins of domestication not returning to some form of pastoral idealism. I need to strike "diversity" from my vocabulary. I should have said "interesting genetic variations".
Sadly, haven't Humans worked diligently to eliminate genetic diversity in chickens - look at the history of how the Rocky Chicken, the most widely eaten chicken was bred.
Go to a fair in farm country and you'll see plenty of variety. But, yes, as with other animals raised for food and dairy (and plants for that matter), mainstream commercial production is mostly a near-monoculture.
After we've all seen what SARS2 can do to the industrial world, the risk monoculture poses for breeding a bird flu which can jump to poultry handlers is simply unacceptable.
Monoculture, and the conditions of chicken husbandry, simply must improve. This is an existential risk.
via Madagascar via South East Asia, assuming I'm remembering Jared Diamond correctly. I wonder if there are any Polynesian strains with interesting genetic diversity.