Ayam Cemani
| File:Cemani.jpg
Cemani Hen
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| Country of origin | Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Traits | |
| Weight | Male: 2–3 kg |
| Female: 1.5–2 kg | |
| Skin color | Black |
| Egg color | Cream |
| Comb type | Single |
| Classification | |
| Chicken Gallus gallus domesticus |
|
Ayam Cemani are uncommon and relatively modern breed of chicken from Indonesia. They have dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation (Fibromelanosis), making the chicken entirely black; including feathers, beak, and internal organs.
Etymology
Ayam means "chicken" in Bahasa Indonesia. Cemani denotes the village, where this breed of chicken originates from, on the island of Java.
Origin
The breed originated from the island of Java, Indonesia and have probably been used for centuries for religious and mystical purpose. The breed was first described by Dutch colonial settlers[1] and first imported to Europe in 1998 by Dutch breeder Jan Steverink. Currently, these breed of chicken are currently 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.[2]
Description
The birds are completely black: black plumage with a greenish shine, black legs and toe nails, black beak and tongue, black comb and wattles; even their meat, bones and organs appear black. The blood of the Ayam Cemani is normal (though it is remarkably dark).[citation needed]The birds' black colour occurs as a result of excess pigmentation of the tissues, caused by a genetic condition known as fibromelanosis.[3] This gene is also found in some other black fowl breeds.[4][5] 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.[6]
Individual birds in the United States of America have been priced at $2500.[7]
See also
References
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- ↑ European Poultry Society
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- ↑ Ayam Cemani
- ↑ Yahoo News
