Frontiers and emerging topics in a century of Silkie chicken research: insights, challenges, and opportunities

Abstract

Silkie chickens are a unique breed renowned for their pigmentation, food and medicine homology properties, and distinctive appearance, making them highly valuable in exhibitions, as pets, in medicinal cuisine, and as a model for melanin research. Despite their vast potential, the growing volume of publications and patents related to Silkie chicken highlights the critical need for systematic organization, summarization, and analysis of this wealth of information. For the first time, this study employs bibliometric tools to summarize and analyze 114 years of research on Silkie chicken. Our study demonstrates that academic studies primarily focus on their nutritional value, melanin production, and genetic mechanisms, while patents emphasize food formulations, breeding methods, and purebred identification. Although there has been significant growth in publications and citations since 2001, international collaboration remains limited. This study presents the need for integrated and multidisciplinary research to unlock the full potential of Silkie chicken and provides a foundational framework for future studies and applications.

Introduction

The Silkie chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson) originated in China over two thousand years ago (Zhang et al., 2024). In China, the farming of Silkie chickens is widespread, and influenced by ancient Chinese medical texts, they are commonly used in cooking and for medicinal purposes (Toyosaki, 2010; Wang et al., 2024; Zou et al., 2021). Research has shown that their meat is rich in melanin, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which can enhance physical strength, treat anemia, and promote postnatal recovery (China, 2020; Hu et al., 2023b; Qiu et al., 2023; Xiong et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2022). Additionally, the Silkie chicken is renowned for its distinctive physical characteristics (Fig. 1), which are also mentioned in the writings of Marco Polo (Polo, 2010). It is widely believed that the Silkie chicken was introduced to the West via the Silk Road and maritime trade. The breed was officially recognized in United Kingdom in 1865 and included in the Standard of Perfection (Club and Tegetmeier, 1865; Club, 2025). In 1915, the Silkie chicken, as a prized poultry product from China, participated in the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and won a gold medal in the ornamental poultry category (Exposition, 1915). In 1983, the Chinese government presented Silkie chicken eggs as a gift to Thailand, and in 2010, Taihe Silkie chicken was granted the status of a Chinese geographical indication for agricultural products (China, 2010; Fan and Luo, 2017). At present, the Silkie chicken is also widely recognized in the West, primarily kept as a pet and for exhibition purposes (Association, 1874; Australia, 2025; Club and Tegetmeier, 1865; Exposition, 1915; Fan and Luo, 2017; Huang et al., 2024b; White and Eastlick, 1953). Furthermore, the Silkie chicken is famous for its excellent brooding behavior, making it an effective natural incubator (Tan et al., 2024b).

Fig. 1.

Key morphological and functional traits of the Silkie chicken.

Despite the diverse potential of the Silkie chicken, research on this breed remains fragmented and lacks a cohesive framework. Currently, there is no systematic review or systematic scientometric study on Silkie chicken; existing studies are limited to comparative study (Prakash et al., 2023) and analysis of genetic diversity (Huang et al., 2024b). with publications and patents on Silkie chicken research steadily increasing each year, a systematic analysis of this growing body of knowledge is essential. Such an analysis would aid researchers, data providers, funders, editors, and consortia in assessing the current state of research, identifying gaps, and guiding future studies. The absence of an integrated review hinders a comprehensive understanding of Silkie chicken's unique attributes and limits its application development. Therefore, this study aims to review research progress over the past 114 years systematically, identify existing gaps, and propose future research directions through statistical and bibliometric analyses of academic literature and patents related to the Silkie chicken. By examining global research trends, we intend to reveal the scientific and application value potential of the Silkie chicken and promote its broader and deeper application across various fields. Our findings will serve as a reference for foundational research and application development, fostering greater academic and industry investment in advancing Silkie chicken research.

Materials and methods

Data collection

In this study, we utilized all editions of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), including the Science Citation Index Expanded (1900–present), to compile Silkie chicken-related literature from January 1, 1911, to November 5, 2024. The search terms included: Topic = (Silkie OR "Silky fowl" OR "Chinese silk chicken" OR "Taihe Black-boned Chicken" OR "Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson" OR "Taihe black-boned silky fowl" OR "black-bone silky fowl" OR "Chinese Taihe Chicken" OR "Taihe black-boned silky chicken" OR "Taihe wu ji"), and were limited to only English-based research and review articles. There is a total of records, including 216 research and 3 review articles. In addition, we used Patsnap, a comprehensive patent search and analysis platform covering 172 authorities, including the World Intellectual Property Organization. After excluding duplicate patents within the same family and those deemed unpatentable, we identified 263 patents by searching Title/Abstract = (Silkie OR "Silky fowl" OR "Chinese silk chicken" OR "Taihe Black-boned Chicken" OR "Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson" OR "Taihe black-boned silky fowl" OR "black-bone silky fowl" OR "Chinese Taihe Chicken" OR "Taihe black-boned silky chicken" OR "Taihe wu ji") over the same time frame.

Statistical analysis

We choose CiteSpace (Advanced version 6.3.R3), PatSnap's data analysis module, and Excel (version 2021) as the main tool to analyze the selected literature comprehensively. In CiteSpace, the analysis period was set from 1911 to 2024 with one-year time slices; The analysis included examining titles, abstracts, keywords, publication years, journals, authors, affiliations, and countries/regions. We retrospectively analyzed Silkie chicken's research over the past 114 years, using cluster analysis as the theoretical framework. This involved configuring network algorithms, such as pathfinder network scaling (PF-NET), and selecting node types, such as keywords, authors, and publications. To map the knowledge structure, we applied critical path method-generated co-occurrence maps to identify search hotspots and used time-zone views to track the evolution of research trends (Chen, 2006; Chen, 2017; Chen et al., 2010).

Results

Analysis of articles, and citation trends

We analyzed the publications volume and citation trends for Silkie chicken research articles between January 1, 1911, and November 5, 2024 (Fig.s 2A and B). The development of Silkie chicken's research can be categorized into two phases based on observed trends:

Fig. 2.

Annual publication counts and citation frequency for research on Silkie chicken research.

Notes: (A) Red bars represent publications from China, while purple bars represent publications from other countries. The combined height of the bars (red + purple) reflects the global publication volume for each year. The cumulative citation count is shown by the blue line, plotted on a secondary y-axis, to highlight the overall citation trajectory over time. (B) Geographical distribution of Silkie chicken research publications from 1911 to 2024, based on the Web of Science Core Collection database. The color intensity represents the number of publications per country, with darker shades indicating higher publication counts.

Early phase (1911-2000). A total of 23 articles on Silkie chicken's research were published, with the first publication appearing in 1911. Publications during this period were sporadic, with average frequency, approximately about one article every 3–4 years. The research primarily centered on hybridization, anatomical features, and the unique traits of Silkie chickens. The top three research areas according to Web of Science categories were "Zoology," "Genetics & Heredity," and "Veterinary Sciences", indicating a focus on the biological and genetic aspects of Silkie chickens and their relevance to poultry health and agriculture. The main contributing countries/regions were Japan (5 articles), France (4 articles), and the USA (3 articles), with five other countries (Australian, Brazilian, German, Israeli, China) contributing one article each. A total of 20 institutions participated in Silkie chicken-related research, collectively contributing to a foundation for future studies. These 23 articles have been cited 456 times across 369 different articles, establishing a basis for ongoing research in this field.

Developmental phase (2001-2024). Since 2001, Silkie chicken's research has entered a phase of consistent growth characterized by an upward trajectory in both publications and citations. During this period, a total of 196 articles were published, With the frequency of citations steadily increasing. Notably, this year (2024) alone has 22 publications and 363 citations (Fig. 2). This indicates that the field has witnessed significant global expansion, with contributing countries/regions rising from 8 to 34 and participating affiliations growing from 35 to 200. China (including Taiwan) emerged as a leading contributor, accounting for 142 publications. Among institutions, China Agricultural University ranked first with 27 articles, followed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs with 16.

As of November 5, 2024, 36 countries/regions and 200 institutions have collectively published 219 articles on Silkie chicken research, garnering a total of 3,605 citations from 2,816 citing articles. The field H-Index of 29 highlights its impact, indicating that at least 29 papers have been cited 29 times or more. Research publications predominantly fall within three key fields: Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science (69), Food Science & Technology (39), and Genetics & Heredity (34) (Fig. 3). These categories reflect the breed's multifaceted importance in both practical applications and scientific investigation. In-depth studies within Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science on breeding strategies and production traits, while Food Science & Technology explores the nutritional and health benefits of Silkie chickens. Meanwhile, research in Genetics & Heredity sheds light on their unique genetic characteristics, including melanin-related genes. Collectively, these categories demonstrate a comprehensive integration of agricultural practices, food science, and genetic exploration. China dominates the global research landscape (Fig. 2, Fig. 2), ranking first in publication volume and serving as a central hub in the collaboration network (Centrality: 0.69). China Agricultural University is the most prolific institution, with 27 publications and the highest centrality in the research network (Centrality: 0.25, First Place) (Fig. 4). Despite producing fewer publications, the USA holds significant network centrality (Centrality: 0.4, Second Place). Indicating its influence on collaborative research. Other notable collaborations include Japan, the United Kingdom, and Scotland. Annual trends in publication and citation metrics provide a good insight into the activity within this field. The steady upward trajectory of these metrics demonstrates the rapid growth of Silkie chicken research and its increasing prominence in the global academic landscape.

Fig. 3.

Top 10 fields with the most publications in Silkie chicken research.

Note: The fan-shaped segments represent the total publication volume for each field from 1911 to 2024. Inside each segment, the smaller bars closer to the center indicate the publication volume. The black circles mark the boundary for data corresponding to 1911–2000.

Fig. 4.

Global and institutional collaboration networks in Silkie chicken research.

Notes: (A) Collaborative relationships between countries involved in Silkie chicken research. The size of the nodes represents the research output, and the connections indicate the strength of international collaborations. (B) Represents institutional collaborations within Silkie chicken research. The size of the nodes corresponds to the volume of research contributions, and the links denote collaborative efforts between institutions.

Analysis of journals

We analyzed the top 10 journals by publication volume to evaluate their contributions to Silkie chicken's research (Table 1). Poultry Science emerged as the leading journal, with 19 publications, followed by Food Research International, with eight publications. British Poultry Science and the Journal of Poultry Science contributed seven publications each. These journals are foundational to this field, with Poultry Science demonstrating the greatest significant impact, supported by an Impact Factor of 3.8 and its classification within the "Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science" category. The remaining journals, such as Developmental Dynamics and Frontiers in Genetics, span diverse domains, including "Anatomy & Morphology," "Developmental Biology," and "Genetics & Heredity," highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of poultry science and genetics research. Additionally, journals like Animals and the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences function as integrative platforms, bridging agriculture, veterinary science, and animal science. This demonstrates the extensive and multifaceted influence of poultry research across multiple scientific disciplines.

Table 1.

Top 10 journals with publication volume (from 1911–2024, data as of 5 Nov. 2024).

Number	Journal	Count	Impact factor	Categories
1	Poultry Science	19	3.8	Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
2	Food Research International	8	7.0	Food Science & Technology
3	British Poultry Science	7	1.6	Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
4	Journal of Poultry Science	7	1.8	Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
5	Developmental Dynamics	6	2.0	Multiple: Anatomy & Morphology and Developmental Biology
6	Frontiers in Genetics	6	2.8	Genetics & Heredity
7	Animal Genetics	5	1.8	Multiple: Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science and Genetics & Heredity
8	Animals	5	2.7	Multiple: Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science and Veterinary Sciences
9	Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences	5	2.694	Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
10	Journal of Experimental Zoology	5	1N/A	Zoology
11	PLOS ONE	5	2.9	Multidisciplinary Sciences

Note:

¹N/A, not applicable.

Quantitative analysis of publication output and author collaboration networks in Silkie chicken research

A quantitative analysis of publication output and author collaboration networks in Silkie chicken research reveals 200 active researchers contributing to this field. Among them, Xue-Mei Deng, with 11 publications, and De-Ping Han, with nine, are the most prolific authors. The five most-cited papers collectively exceed 110 citations, demonstrating their significant influence on Silkie chicken's research and related fields (Table 2). Notably, the study Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Melanin from the Muscles of Taihe Black-bone Silky Fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson) has become a key reference in melanin research (Tu et al., 2009). Collaboration network analysis reveals a decentralized network structure that resembles a "starry sky." Unlike the dense, highly interconnected networks characteristic of international or inter-institutional collaborations, most partnerships are localized within individual affiliations, with relatively few close-knit teams. The most collaborative collaboration group is led by Xue-Mei Deng and De-Ping Han (Fig. 5), reflecting an institution-centric and small-scale network dynamic in this research area.

Table 2.

Top five most cited articles in the field of Silkie chicken research (from 1911–2024, data as of 5 Nov. 2024).

Number	Title	Citations	Reference
1	A genetic variation map for chicken with 2.8 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms	385	(Wong et al., 2004)
2	Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of melanin from the muscles of Taihe Black-bone silky fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson)	128	(Tu et al., 2009)
3	Genome-wide association study of body weight in chicken F2 resource population	127	(Gu et al., 2011)
4	A complex genomic rearrangement involving the endothelin 3 locus causes dermal hyperpigmentation in the chicken	116	(Dorshorst et al., 2011)
5	Avian skin development and the evolutionary origin of feathers	116	(Sawyer and Knapp, 2003)

Fig. 5.

Authors' collaboration networks in Silkie chicken research.

Research hotspots and temporal trends in Silkie chicken studies

The research hotspots in Silkie chicken are categorized into ten keywords (Fig. 6a), with #0 "Natural melanin" and #1 "Hyperpigmented" highlighting a strong scholarly focus on the mechanisms of pigmentation, genetic factors, and the characterization and potential applications of natural melanin. Additionally, topics related to gene expression (#2 Transcript expression profiling and #7 Differential gene expression) occupy prominent positions and highlight the integration of genomics and transcriptomics Silkie chicken studies. Other prominent themes include characteristic bioactive peptides (#4 Characteristic peptide), production traits (#5 Production trait), tissue residue distribution (#6 Tissue residue distribution), and meat quality (#9 Meat quality), reflecting the species' functional diversity and its economic and agricultural importance. Additionally, studies on breed comparisons (#8 Different breed) and ovarian follicles (#3 Ovarian follicle) emphasize reproductive traits and the genetic resources of Silkie chicken populations.

Fig. 6.

Research frontiers and keyword evolution in Silkie chicken studies.

Notes: (A) Network visualization identifies ten primary research clusters, each representing a focused area of study in Silkie chicken research. (B) Keyword evolution over time, indicating the emergence and progression of high-impact keywords.

The temporal trends in Silkie chicken's research demonstrate a dynamic evolution of scientific interests (Fig. 6b). Early studies featuring keywords such as "Neural crest cells" (1998–2002) and "Pigment" (2005–2009) focused on the cellular mechanisms and biological pathways underlying pigment formation. Concurrently, "Purification" (2000–2004) marked advancements in extraction and isolation techniques. From 2011–2018, "Antioxidant activity" emerged as a critical research theme, extending beyond melanin to explore bioactive peptides and trace elements, highlighting their multifaceted applications in medicine, food science, and health sciences. Persistent interest in pigmentation mechanisms is evident through keywords such as "Hyperpigmentation" (2006–2020) and "Pigmentation" (2011–2018). More recently, from 2020–2024, the focus has shifted toward exploring melanin's functional roles and genetic regulation, with keywords such as "Melanin" and "Gene expression" reflecting this transition. Emerging topics like "Breeds" (2022–2024) and "Identification" (2019–2024) reflect growing attention to breed-specific traits and advancements in genetic and phenotypic identification technologies, further advancing the field.

Global patenting trends and cross-country comparisons

The trajectory of global patent applications for Silkie chicken research reveals a transition from stagnation to gradual growth, followed by a period of stabilization (Fig. 7a). Over time, the proportion of various patent types has fluctuated, but invention patents have consistently dominated. At the national level, there are notable disparities in the number of patent applications across countries (Fig. 7b). China emerges as the leading contributor, accounting for 222 patents, representing 81.02% of the global total. Chinese entities are responsible for eight of the ten most cited patents (Table 3). This dominance highlights China's competitiveness in technological innovation and intellectual property protection within the domain of Silkie chicken research.

Fig. 7.

Trends and geographical distribution of patents on Silkie chicken research.

Notes: (A) Patent trends over time, indicating that the invention patents have consistently dominated, with a notable peak in 2014. The orange line represents the percentage of invention patents, showing a steady dominance over the years. Utility models and design patents appear less frequently, contributing to the overall fluctuation in patent types. (B) Represents the geographical distribution of the patents, with the bar representing the number of patents in each country.

Table 3.

Top 10 patents by citation count (from 1911–2024, data as of 5 Nov. 2024).

Number	Title	Authority	Citations	Reference
1	Ecological breeding method for silky fowls	China	26	(Luo, 2014)
2	Health food preparation and method for producing the same	Japan	25	(Fukao, 2003)
3	A method of preparing fried meat and sweat and sour herbal sauce	Korea	20	(Jee, 2000)
4	Traditional Chinese medicine chicken feed and production method of silky fowl egg capable of tonifying kidney, strengthening yang and resisting fatigue	China	18	(Lin and Cheng, 2011)
5	Breeding method for medicinal silky fowl	China	17	(Li Jinping, 2014)
6	Hydrolyzed albumen of silky fowl	Japan	13	(Hirose et al., 2001)
7	Silkie sweet flour paste containing traditional Chinese medicine components	China	11	(Deng, 2013)
8	Herbal cuisine silky fowl soup and preparation method thereof	China	11	(Li, 2016)
9	Black-bone chicken hatching greenhouse	China	10	(Peng et al., 2015)
10	Green ecological breeding method for silky fowls	China	10	(Zhu et al., 2014)

Silkie chicken patented keyword cluster analysis

Using Patsnap's "Patent Analysis" tool, we generated a keyword cloud to identify key technological areas and innovation hotspots in Silkie chicken research (Fig. 8). The keyword cloud highlights the high-frequency term "preparation method," indicating its central role in research themes. Other prominent keywords, such as "traditional chinese medicine," "raw material," "silky fowl meat," and "silky fowl egg," further reflect a focus on the development of herbal formulations and food processing applications. Other technical terms include "molecular marker" and "single nucleotide polymorphism". The keyword distribution reveals a dual focus on food preparation and raw material utilization, complemented by advancements in breeding technologies and formulation research, illustrating the multifaceted nature of Silkie chicken studies.

Fig. 8.

Innovation word cloud for Silkie chicken.

Note: The key phrase extraction process used to generate the Word Cloud is as follows: First, Patsnap segments the text into tokens and removes the common stop words (using a stopword dictionary). Then, the phrases are grouped into clusters based on the Suffix Tree Clustering algorithm, which considers phrases as a collection of short phrases instead of single words (to yield a better clustering result). Each cluster is then scored, and the top 300-500 phrases are selected as key phrases for visualization.

The citation frequency of Silkie chicken-related patents further elucidates the impact of various research domains (Table 3). In terms of citation frequency, the 2014 ecological farming method, which integrates orchard-based free-range systems with pesticide-free feed to enhance Silkie chicken quality, exemplifies the practical relevance of sustainable farming practices. Functional food formulations, including nutritionally balanced supplements and peptide-enriched beverages, feature prominently in citation metrics, indicating their strong commercial potential and technical influence. Detection technologies, food product development, and ecological farming collectively represent the three key domains that integrate academic research with industrial application in Silkie chicken studies. These areas demonstrate the integration of scientific innovation with practical and economic value, driving advancements in both research and commercialization.

Analysis of Silkie chicken's research

The origin, breeding and identification of purebred Silkie chicken

The origin of the Silkie chicken is widely believed to trace back to the Taihe County and Wushan area of Jiangxi Province, China (Fan and Luo, 2017; Huang et al., 2024b; Li et al., 2003). Studies have shown that Silkie chickens exhibit low genetic diversity and relatively high levels of inbreeding. Their genetic characteristics differ significantly from those of other local chicken breeds in China, and even from several breeds within the same province, such as the Dongxiang Blue-shelled Chicken and Chongren Chicken (Chen et al., 2019b; Huang et al., 2024b; Nie et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2019). These studies suggest that the evolution of Silkie chickens likely underwent a long period of closed breeding, which eventually led to the development of a standardized breed.

Morphologically, purebred Silkie chickens possess ten distinctive traits that make them easily identifiable (Fig. 1). It exhibits a rose comb, a characteristic that is more pronounced in roosters than in hens, serving as an important marker for sex identification. Silkie chickens exhibit a tuft of cockscomb feathers on the top of the head, with hens having more developed comb feathers. Juvenile Silkie chickens have blue-green earlobes, which darken to purple upon maturity. Their feathers lack barbicels, resulting in a silky texture, and their wings and tail feathers are notably short, with roosters displaying underdeveloped sickle feathers. The chin and cheeks are adorned with elongated silky feathers forming a pronounced beard, more prominent in hens. Unlike common poultry species with four toes, Silkie chickens have a fifth toe that does not touch the ground. Their skin, eyes, beak, shanks, and toes are uniformly black, while their muscles, visceral membranes, and abdominal fat membranes are darkly pigmented. The bones are deep black with a similarly pigmented periosteum (Liang, 2024).

Commercial breeding companies frequently cross Silkie chickens with fast-growing breeds to produce hybrids, such as the Hei Feng chicken. These hybrids exhibit all ten defining characteristics of purebred Silkie chickens, and their processed carcasses are morphologically indistinguishable from those of purebreds. This similarity has contributed to confusion among local merchants, leading to the mislabeling of fast-growing Hei Feng chickens as premium-quality Silkie chickens, thereby undermining the authenticity of purebred Silkie chicken products (Jiguo et al., 2021b).

To ensure precise breed differentiation of purebred Silkie chickens, molecular biology techniques are extensively used. Several patented and well-established methods, including Length Polymorphism PCR and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, are employed to analyze DNA sequences associated with the breed's distinct traits (Table 4). SNP genotyping is another widely used method, offering high sensitivity and accuracy in identifying genetic variations specific to Silkie chickens (Jingting et al., 2023; Liu et al., 2024; Wu et al., 2024). Visual Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification also enables rapid and efficient detection, particularly useful in field conditions (Jiguo et al., 2021b). Core instrumentation for these techniques includes PCR thermocyclers, DNA sequencers, centrifuges, and gel electrophoresis systems. These molecular tools complement morphological identification methods, providing a comprehensive and reliable approach to verifying the genetic purity of Silkie chickens.

Table 4.

Patent summary for purebred Silkie chicken identification.

Title	Core Instruments	Technical Method	Reference
Molecular marker for identifying silky fowl and bamboo silky fowl and application thereof	PCR thermocycler; gel electrophoresis system; centrifuge	1PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism	(Jia et al., 2020)
Primer and kit for identifying carcasses of silky fowl and black-bone chicken and application of primer and kit	PCR thermocycler; electrophoresis system	2Length Polymorphism PCR	(Jiguo et al., 2021a)
Visual primer, kit, and detection method for identifying carcasses of silky fowl and black-bone chicken	Isothermal amplification device; centrifuge; spectrophotometer	3Visual Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification	(Jiguo et al., 2021b)
SNP molecular marker for identifying Taihe black-bone chicken variety and application thereof	PCR thermocycler; DNA sequencer; centrifuge	4SNP Genotyping	(Huirong et al., 2022)
SNP locus primer combination for identifying silky fowl variety and application thereof	PCR thermocycler; DNA sequencer; centrifuge	SNP Genotyping	(Jingting et al., 2023)
Molecular biological identification method and application of black-bone chickens of different types	PCR thermocycler; gel electrophoresis system; centrifuge	Length Polymorphism PCR	(Gao et al., 2023)
Identification method of silky fowl	PCR thermocycler; DNA sequencer; centrifuge	SNP Genotyping	(Tan et al., 2023)

Notes:

¹PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP): A molecular technique used to detect genetic variations by analyzing the lengths of restriction enzyme-digested DNA fragments, commonly applied in genetic studies and breed identification.

²Length Polymorphism PCR: A method for identifying variations in the length of specific DNA regions, used for distinguishing different genetic types.

³Visual Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP): An isothermal amplification technique that enables rapid and visual detection of specific DNA sequences without the need for a thermocycler, often used for field diagnostics.

⁴SNP Genotyping: A technique used to identify variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are important genetic markers for breed and variety identification.

Hyperpigmentation in Silkie chicken and the application of melanin

It is currently believed that the complex chromosomal rearrangement at the Fm locus, through the Fm_2 scenario, leads to an increased expression of a gene central to melanocyte regulation, Endothelin-3, resulting in excessive melanin deposition in Silkie chickens (Akiyama et al., 2011; Bateson and Punnett, 1911; Dorshorst et al., 2011; Dunn and Jull, 1927; Han et al., 2014; Shinde et al., 2023; Shinomiya et al., 2011; Tian et al., 2014). It is estimated that the Fm phenotype originated approximately 6,600 to 9,100 years ago, with the strongest association of the Fm gene found in the 10.3–13.1 Mb region on chromosome 20 (Dharmayanthi et al., 2017; Dorshorst et al., 2010). On the other hand, pigmentation suppression is regulated by the Id locus, which follows a sex-linked incomplete dominance mode of inheritance (Dorshorst et al., 2010; Tian et al., 2014). The Id locus closely co-localizes with ZARU, located at the distal end of the q-arm of chromosome Z, but its exact location and functional details remain to be fully characterized (Sharma and Vijay, 2025). The application of transcriptome sequencing technology and whole-genome resequencing data analysis has provided further insights into the complex genetic architecture of fibromelanosis, identifying genes such as TYRP1, STIMATE, and GSTO1 that may influence melanin production or deposition (Deng et al., 2024; Han et al., 2021; Huang et al., 2024a; Khumpeerawat et al., 2021; Li et al., 2024a; Zhang et al., 2017; Zhu et al., 2023).

The extensive migration and differentiation of melanoblasts from neural crest cells underpin the unique hyperpigmentation observed in Silkie chickens (Dorris, 1936; Eastlick and Wortham, 1946a; Eastlick and Wortham, 1946b; Prota, 1992; White and Eastlick, 1953). Neural crest cells migrate from the neural tube during embryogenesis, traveling dorsolaterally along the ectoderm and medioventrally into visceral layers (Erickson and Goins, 1995; Faraco et al., 2001; Reedy et al., 1998). During this migration, melanoblasts infiltrate various tissues, including the dermis, where they differentiate into melanocytes (Erickson and Goins, 1995; Ortolani-Machado et al., 2008). These cells, characterized by their dendritic morphology, produce melanosomes—lysosome-like organelles essential for melanin synthesis and storage (Chen et al., 2008). Melanocyte interactions with adjacent tissue cells enable the transfer of melanosomes via filopodia, facilitating pigmentation in tissues such as muscle, periosteum, trachea, mesentery, digestive organs, and ovaries (Han et al., 2015). Notably, Schwann cell precursors derived from neural crest cells can replenish melanocytes following nerve injury, highlighting their regenerative potential (Adameyko et al., 2009; Nitzan et al., 2013).

In Silkie chickens, melanin primarily consists of eumelanin (black/brown), with its distribution across tissues in the following order: periosteum > ovary/testis > trachea > skin > muscle (Chen et al., 2008; Muroya et al., 2000; Simon and Peles, 2010; Wang et al., 2014). Importantly, hyperpigmentation is not influenced by gender (Nganvongpanit et al., 2020). The ellipsoidal melanosomes in Silkie chickens retain their structural integrity, making these birds a valuable model for studying natural melanin (Chen et al., 2008; Tu et al., 2009).

Silkie chicken melanin exhibits superior antioxidant properties compared to synthetic alternatives (Table 5). Its antioxidant activity stems from multiple functional mechanisms (Lin and Chen, 2005). Silkie chicken melanin has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, effectively preventing dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease models. Additionally, its anti-depressant properties hold promise for developing treatments for depression (He and Li, 2010a; He and Li, 2010b). These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Silkie chicken melanin in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing its broader applications in medicine and health sciences.

Table 5.

Bioactive properties of substances extracted from Silkie chicken and their potential health benefits.

Extracted Substance	Function	Reference
Melanin	Exhibits excellent antioxidant properties, including 1DPPH radical scavenging, 2superoxide radical scavenging, and 3lipid peroxidation inhibition, and outcompetes synthetic melanin.	(Tu et al., 2009)
Muscle hydrolysate and its fractions (I–IV, especially fraction II)	Exhibit strong antioxidant activities, outcompeting carnosine in scavenging DPPH•, 4ABTS•+, and ·OH radicals, and reducing power.	(Liu et al., 2011)
Leu-Trp-Arg	Demonstrate strong antioxidative properties, 6.9 times higher than Silkie chicken muscle peptides.	(Gu et al., 2012; Liu et al., 2013b)
Leu-Glu-Arg	Exhibit 5ACE inhibitory activity, with an IC50 of approximately 14.1 times stronger than Silkie chicken muscle peptides.	(Gu et al., 2012)
Gly-Ala-Gly-Pro	Exhibits ACE inhibitory activity, with an IC50 approximately 2.8 times stronger than Silkie chicken muscle peptides.
Glu-Pro-Asp-Arg-Tyr	Show greater antioxidant capacity than Silkie chicken muscle peptides and carnosine.	(Liu et al., 2013a)
Asn-Met	Strong antioxidant with IC50 of 4.65 ± 0.09 mg/mL−1.	(Liu et al., 2013b)
Blood plasma protein hydrolysate and blood cell protein hydrolysate	Blood plasma protein hydrolysate and blood cell protein hydrolysate showed strong DPPH radical-scavenging activity and Fe2+.	(Cheng et al., 2016)
Glu-Phe	Significantly promotes T and B lymphocyte proliferation, showing positive immunomodulatory effects.	(Zhang et al., 2022)
Glu-Glu-Leu	Enhances production of immune cells.
Glu-His-Pro-Thr	It increases B lymphocyte proliferation and CD4+/CD8+ ratio, contributing to immune balance.
Ala-Gly-Gly-His	It shows the strongest intracellular antioxidant capacity and promotes T lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis, with notable immunomodulatory benefits.
Pro-Ala-Ser-Thr-Gly-Ala-Ala-Lys	Exhibits a binding energy of −4.99 kcal/mol with the 6BMPR1A receptor and demonstrates anti-osteoporosis activity in a dexamethasone-induced zebrafish model.	(Qiu et al., 2023)
Pro-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly-Thr-Pro-Phe	Shows a binding energy of −3.07 kcal/mol with the BMPR1A receptor and significant anti-osteoporosis effects in a dexamethasone-induced zebrafish model.
IgY	IgY detection, prevention, and treatment of diseases.	(Sun et al., 2013; Wu et al., 2022b)

Notes:

¹DPPH radical scavenging IC₅₀: Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for DPPH radical scavenging, used to measure an antioxidant's ability to neutralize DPPH radicals.

²Superoxide radical scavenging IC₅₀: IC₅₀ is used for superoxide radical scavenging and is used to assess an antioxidant's efficiency in scavenging superoxide radicals.

³Lipid peroxidation inhibition IC₅₀: IC₅₀ for lipid peroxidation inhibition, indicating antioxidant activity in preventing lipid peroxidation.

⁴ABTS·⁺ scavenging: ABTS radical cation scavenging activity, used to evaluate an antioxidant's ability to neutralize ABTS·⁺ radicals.

⁵ACE inhibitory activity: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, a measure of antihypertensive potential.

⁶BMPR1A receptor: Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1A, used to assess anti-osteoporosis activity.

Nutritional and functional properties of Silkie chicken meat and eggs

Silkie chicken meat

In addition to its high melanin content, Silkie chicken meat is abundant in bioactive peptides with notable health benefits. Comparative studies reveal that Silkie chicken breast muscle contains significantly higher concentrations of functional dipeptides, such as anserine and carnosine, than other poultry breeds, including Plymouth Rock, Japanese hybrid pheasant, local chickens, Nagoya breed, and commercial broilers. Specifically, fresh Silkie chicken meat has 1.6 to 2.3 times more carnosine than other chicken breeds, highlighting its superior functional profile (Kojima et al., 2014; Tian et al., 2007). Isolated peptides from Silkie chicken muscle exhibit significant biological activities (Table 5). For example, Glu-Pro-Asp-Arg-Tyr and Leu-Trp-Arg peptides demonstrate robust antioxidant properties, while Leu-Glu-Arg and Gly-Ala-Gly-Pro peptides effectively inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (Gu et al., 2012; Liu et al., 2013a). Recent studies have identified two additional peptides, Pro-Ala-Ser-Thr-Gly-Ala-Ala-Lys and Pro-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly-Thr-Pro-Phe, which promise to prevent osteoporosis and may serve as lead compounds for drug development (Qiu et al., 2023). Silkie chicken meat is also distinguished by its fatty acid composition. It contains substantially higher levels of palmitoleic acid than Cobb chickens, crossbred Silkie chickens, Lingnan yellow chickens, Chongren chickens, and Wuding chickens. Additionally, Silkie chicken meat is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (Mi et al., 2018; Tian et al., 2011; Wei et al., 2022; Yang et al., 2024b). These fatty acids are linked to significant health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced cognitive function, anti-aging effects, and diabetes prevention (Frigolet and Gutiérrez-Aguilar, 2017; Qiu et al., 2021; Shahidi and Ambigaipalan, 2018; Zhang et al., 2020). Furthermore, the muscle tissue of Silkie chicken contains 54 elements. Compared to other local Chinese breeds such as Lingnan Yellow Chicken and Chongren Chicken, Silkie chicken meat has higher concentrations of calcium, iron and copper. Additionally, the concentrations of toxic metals—lead, cadmium, and arsenic—detected in the muscle tissue of Silkie chickens are well below the maximum reference limits set by the European Commission (2023), indicating that these concentrations are within safe levels for chicken meat (Commission, 2023; Mi et al., 2019; Mi et al., 2018; Tian et al., 2018).

Silkie chicken eggs

Silkie chicken eggs are an exceptional source of essential elements and bioactive compounds. Notably, their sialic acid content is 11.5 times higher than that of conventional domestic fowl yolks (Table 6). Proteomic analyses using bottom-up label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry have revealed significantly lower levels of apolipoprotein B and apovitellenin-1 in Silkie chicken eggs. These proteins, associated with very low-density lipoprotein formation and lipid accumulation in yolks, are markedly downregulated in Silkie chicken eggs compared to Leghorn eggs (Bujo et al., 1997; Wu et al., 2022a). Additionally, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification analyses have demonstrated reduced levels of cholesterol-related proteins in Silkie chicken eggs relative to ring-necked pheasant eggs, highlighting their potential benefits for lipid metabolism (Zhou et al., 2021). Silkie chicken eggs also exhibit greater oxidative stability than conventional eggs, retaining superior quality even after 14 days of storage. This stability is attributed to their higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (62.5% in Silkie chicken eggs versus 53.9% in hen eggs) (Toyosaki and Koketsu, 2004). Comparative metabolomic and lipidomic studies further highlight significant differences in volatile compounds and metabolites, contributing to Silkie chicken eggs' distinct, robust flavor profile (Yang et al., 2023).

Table 6.

Nutritional and functional properties of Silkie chicken eggs.

Research target	Comparison	Result	Reference
Sialic Acid Content	Eggs	The sialic acid content in Silkie chicken egg yolk is 11.5 times higher than that of hen egg yolk.	(Koketsu et al., 2003)
Antioxidant Effects & Oxidative Stability	White Leghorn eggs	Sponge cakes made with Silkie chicken eggs exhibit superior antioxidant effects and oxidative stability.	(Toyosaki and Koketsu, 2007)
Protein Abundance		Silkie chicken egg yolk contains 57 unique proteins (compared to 6 in White Leghorn egg yolk), with significantly higher levels of vitelline membrane outer layer protein 1, transthyretin, and ovoinhibitor, up-regulated by 26, 25, and 16 times, respectively; Silkie chicken egg yolk contained relatively more abundant protease inhibitors and coagulation-related proteins.	(Wu et al., 2022a)
Rheological properties		Fried dough made with Silkie chicken eggs shows superior rheological properties, oxidative stability, and lower degradation rates during storage.	(Toyosaki, 2010)
Oxidative stability		Whole Silkie chicken eggs show significant oxidative stability over a 14-day storage period, with a higher unsaturated fatty acid content.	(Toyosaki and Koketsu, 2004)
Cholesterol content	Lushi Green-shelled eggs	The cholesterol content of Silkie chicken egg yolk is higher than that of Lushi Green-shelled eggs.	(Yang et al., 2013)
Odor and flavor	Hy-line Brown eggs	Silkie chicken egg yolks exhibit a stronger odor and flavor, and highly enriched amino acid metabolism pathways.	(Yang et al., 2023)
1Level 1 Grade Ratio	Hy-line Brown and crossbred Silkie chicken eggs	Higher AA grade ratio	(Zhang et al., 2024)
Amino acids in egg whites		Demonstrate higher contents in histidine, arginine, tyrosine, and cysteine
Phospholipids in yolks		Exhibit high level of phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine, ceramide
ω-3/ω-6 ratio		Highest among the three breeds but still below the recommended level
Omega-3 fatty acids		Highest concentrations of Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, and C18:3N3
Mineral nutritional value		Superior compared to crossbred Silkie chicken and Hy-line Brown eggs
Amino acid profile		Superior compared to crossbred Silkie chicken and Hy-line Brown eggs

Note:

¹According to the standards set by the USA Department of Agriculture, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (SB/T 10638-2011), and the Standardization Administration of China (GB/T 39438-2020), fresh eggs are categorized based on their Haugh unit values. Eggs with Haugh unit values above 72 are classified as "Level 1" (AA), those with values between 60 and 72 are classified as "Level 2" (A), and those with values below 60 are classified as "Level 3" (B).

Studies on egg-laying performance

Silkie chickens are characterized by pronounced maternal behaviors, including strong incubation instincts. Broodiness in Silkie chickens typically occurs after laying 10–12 eggs, with incubation episodes lasting over 15 days (Tan et al., 2024b). This behavior starkly contrasts with commercial breeds, such as White Leghorns, which demonstrate higher egg production and prolonged peak laying periods. Genetic factors are key drivers of these differences, with specific loci on chromosomes 1, 5, and 8 influencing maternal incubation tendencies. Silkie chicken-specific alleles favor broodiness and maternal care, whereas White Leghorn alleles are associated with enhanced egg yield but reduced brooding behaviors (Basheer et al., 2015).

Comparative studies between high-yielding White Leghorns and lower-yielding Silkie chickens reveal significant differences in follicular dynamics. White Leghorns exhibit a greater number of dominant and yellow preovulatory follicles due to the upregulation of genes that enhance granulosa cell proliferation and sex hormone secretion. In contrast, Silkie chickens show enhanced activation of pathways related to energy metabolism, angiogenesis, and melanogenesis, suggesting adaptations that prioritize functions beyond egg production (Tai et al., 2022). Transcriptomic analyses of Silkie chicken ovaries across different reproductive stages have identified 9,897 differentially expressed genes, including pivotal genes such as LPAR3, AvBD1, and GDF9. These genes regulate reproductive performance through five critical signaling pathways, highlighting unique genetic contributions to their reproductive biology (Xiang et al., 2022). The gut microbiota significantly influences egg production disparities between Silkie chickens and White Leghorns. Silkie chickens' cecal microbiota, enriched with Veillonellaceae and Parabacteroides, supports lipid metabolism and immunity, aligning with their broader physiological adaptations. In contrast, the microbiota of White Leghorns, dominated by Bacteroides, enhances carbohydrate metabolism and energy production, underpinning their superior egg yield (Yang et al., 2022).

Targeted dietary modifications have shown promise in improving Silkie chicken egg production. For instance, supplementation with Daidzein, a phytoestrogen, promotes the development of preovulatory follicles by upregulating gonadotropin receptors and P450arom mRNA expression in granulosa cells. These effects enhance follicular maturation and ovulation rates, demonstrating the potential of dietary strategies to modulate reproductive performance in Silkie chickens (Liu et al., 2007) (Table 7).

Table 7.

Feed additives affecting the nutrition of Silkie chicken and their eggs.

Feed supplement	Function	Reference
Daidzein	Daidzein up-regulated mRNA expression of gonadotropin receptors and P450arom to improve the development of preovulatory follicles in Silkie chicken after the peak-laying period.	(Liu et al., 2007)
Fish oil	Supplementing Silkie chicken's diet with 4% fish oil significantly enhances the levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat, reduces n-6 fatty acids, improving the n-3/n-6 ratio.	(Kehui et al., 2011)
Hypocrellin A	Dietary supplementation with hypocretin A in Silkie chicken hensenhances egg yolk color dose-dependently without significantly affecting its emulsifying properties.	(Su et al., 2011)
Spirulina	Spirulina feeding at a proportion of 0.3% improved the production performance of Silkie chicken hens and the nutritional value and flavour of their eggs.	(Chen et al., 2019a)
Dietary Carotenoid	Dietary carotenoids enhance egg yolk colour, and singlet oxygen quenching activity in Silkie chicken, with significant increase in zeaxanthin and lutein in the yolk.	(Kojima et al., 2022)
Niacin	Niacin supplementation in Silkie chicken's diet improves meat quality under heat stress by increasing muscle tenderness, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. This leads to a higher proportion of type I muscle fibres, which helps mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on muscle quality.	(Mei et al., 2024)
Paprika	Paprika extract enhances the levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood of Silkie hens and improves the color of the egg yolks.	(Kojima, 2024)
Iron	High dietary iron can reduce fat deposition and improve gut microbiota balance in Silkie chicken.	(Yang et al., 2024a)

Studies on antibiotic residues

The pharmacokinetics of commonly used antibiotics in Silkie chicken differ significantly from those in standard broiler breeds, with extended withdrawal periods frequently observed (Table 8). For instance, sarafloxacin requires a withdrawal period of 93 days in Silkie chickens, compared to 0 days in standard broiler chickens (Liu et al., 2021). Similarly, combination of enrofloxacin with sulfachloropyridazine or trimethoprim necessitate extended withdrawal times of 284 and 159 days, respectively (Yuan et al., 2023a). Among fluoroquinolones, danofloxacin and difloxacin have withdrawal periods of 95 and 61 days, while trimethoprim alone requires approximately 31.42 days (Chen et al., 2023; Hu et al., 2023a). In addition to prolonged residue persistence, certain antibiotics exhibit adverse effects in Silkie chickens. Ciprofloxacin, for instance, has been associated with mild hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in this breed (Yuan et al., 2023b). Conversely, ceftiofur, characterized by rapid absorption and elimination, demonstrates poor tissue distribution, limiting its effectiveness in Silkie chicken (Yang et al., 2021).

Table 8.

Effects of antibiotics on Silkie chicken in terms of withdrawal period.

Antibiotic	Result	Reference
Sarafloxacin	Sarafloxacinin withdrawal time in Silkie chickens should be 93 days, significantly longer than that (0 days) in standard broiler chickens.	(Liu et al., 2021)
Ceftiofur	Poor distribution and rapid elimination of ceftiofur and its active metabolites were observed, which limits its efficacy.	(Yang et al., 2021)
Ciprofloxacin	Exhibit slight hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.	(Yuan et al., 2023b)
Enrofloxacin and sulfachloropyridazine combined with trimethoprim	Withdrawal time of 284 days for enrofloxacin + sulfachloropyridazine and 159 days for trimethoprim were recommended.	(Yuan et al., 2023a)
Danofloxacin; Difloxacin	The withdrawal time for danofloxacin in Silkie chicken is 95 days; it is 61 days for difloxacin.	(Chen et al., 2023)
Trimethoprim	31.42 days were recommended for trimethoprim as withdrawal.	(Hu et al., 2023a)

A notable factor contributing to prolonged withdrawal periods in Silkie chickens is their unique melanin distribution. Studies indicate a strong association between antibiotic residues and melanin-rich tissues in Silkie chickens, this binding to melanin likely slows the metabolism and excretion of certain drugs, resulting in extended tissue retention times (Chen et al., 2023; Yuan et al., 2023a). Emerging research highlights regulating the core intestinal microbiota may reduce foodborne antibiotics and accelerate the development of drug resistance (Yuan et al., 2023b).

Discussion

This study provides a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the research landscape on Silkie chickens, examining trends in annual publication output, authorship, affiliations, geographic distribution, journal representation, and patent activity using the Patsnap database. The findings reveal that Silkie chicken's research has progressed through two distinct phases: an early phase characterized by limited publications primarily focused on hybridization and anatomical traits and a subsequent sustained growth phase beginning around 2001. The growth phase can be attributed to several key drivers, including the global recognition of Silkie chicken in poultry standards, advancements in melanin research that have established Silkie chicken as a model organism for avian melanin studies, and increased public interest in its medicinal value, which coincides with rising living standards (Association, 1874; Bishop and Association, 1998; Club and Tegetmeier, 1865; Lecoin et al., 1995; Lin and Chen, 2005). Notably, China emerges as the leading contributor to research output and Silkie chicken research patents. Despite increased participating affiliations, collaboration among researchers remains limited, highlighting the necessity for enhanced international cooperation to advance Silkie chicken research.

An integrated analysis of Web of Science categories, keyword clusters, burst keywords, and patent keyword clouds reveals a concentrated focus on the unique genetic, nutritional, and medicinal attributes of the Silkie chicken chicken. This interdisciplinary interest spans agriculture, food science, and biotechnology, indicating the Silkie chicken's multifaceted value as a research model. Dominant categories, such as Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science and Food Science & Technology, highlight its economic significance as a high-quality food source, with research emphasis on the production traits and meat quality. Simultaneously, the prominence of Genetics & Heredity and clusters like "differential gene expression" and "transcript expression profiling" reflect concerted efforts to explore the genetic basis of Silkie chicken's hallmark traits, such as "natural melanin" production. Burst keywords, including "pigmentation," "melanin," and "gene expression," further highlight the growing interest in the genetic mechanisms underlying its hyperpigmentation. Patent keyword analysis indicates substantial commercial interest, with terms such as "preparation method," "traditional Chinese medicine," and "raw material" suggesting expanding applications in medicinal products and functional foods. Collectively, these trends position Silkie chicken as a critical subject in genetic research, nutraceutical development, and traditional medicine, with its potential for scientific and agricultural advancement.

While this analysis offers a broad overview, its reliance on article titles and keywords constrains the ability to delve into specific advancements within the field. To address this limitation, we conducted a thematic analysis of relevant literature, identifying three primary research domains: (1) the use of Silkie chicken as a model for "natural melanin" studies, (2) its nutritional value, and (3) patents related to Silkie chicken recipes, purebred detection methods, breeding, and farming. Recent advancements in these areas were systematically analyzed and discussed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.

In melanin research, the Silkie chicken stands out as a representative avian model, with melanin exhibiting a remarkable distribution across most tissues (Han et al., 2015; Muroya et al., 2000). Current studies primarily focus on the mechanisms of melanin production, which remain poorly understood. Notably, melanin has demonstrated versatile applications in areas such as skin protection, medical treatments, cosmetics, food science, materials science, and environmental protection (Dadachova et al., 2007; Felix et al., 1978; Gonçalves et al., 2006; Menichetti et al., 2024; Meredith and Riesz, 2004; Wolbarsht et al., 1981). However, Existing characterization efforts have largely concentrated on its antioxidant properties, providing a limited perspective on the broader functional potential of Silkie chicken-derived melanin. (Tu et al., 2009). Furthermore, the latest patent on melanin extraction from Silkie chicken dates to 2016 (Zeng et al., 2016). Exploring new methods to enhance extraction efficiency is possible based on existing research achievements. Researchers have successfully isolated melanocytes from Silkie chicken (Tai et al., 2024). With advancements in synthetic biology, Silkie chicken melanocytes are expected to become "factories for large-scale melanin production," significantly reducing production costs and promoting extensive applications in multiple fields.

Silkie chicken has long been valued for its unique food-medicine homology, with much research focusing on its nutritional properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, Silkie chicken is often paired with herbs to create therapeutic formulas. For instance, the millennia-old Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill combines Silkie chicken with ingredients such as Astragalus and Angelica to enhance its medicinal efficacy (China, 2020). Scientific verification and analysis of these traditional formulas, combined with bioinformatics techniques and computational modeling, could be used to design and innovate formulas for further study. while bioactive peptides have been isolated from Silkie chicken, product development remains constrained by challenges in preservation and delivery technologies (Tsai et al., 2006). Addressing these limitations could unlock its potential in functional food and pharmaceutical applications. Silkie chicken production faces significant constraints, including low egg yield, short peak laying periods, susceptibility to Marek's disease, and prolonged withdrawal periods for common antibiotics. These challenges contribute to high market prices, with premium Silkie chicken ranging from $10 to $15 and breeding hens priced at $20 to $50 (Chickies, 2024; Door, 2024; Pipinchick, 2024). Breeding improvement strategies are urgently needed to mitigate these issues. To ensure the authenticity and sustainability of purebred Silkie chickens, establishing structured breeding programs and regulatory oversight is crucial. Implementing certification systems, genetic monitoring, and transparent labeling practices can help distinguish purebred Silkie chickens from hybrids, preserving breed integrity. Additionally, research on population size, genetic diversity, and breeding practices is essential to inform conservation strategies and prevent further genetic dilution. Institutional support and policy interventions will play a key role in promoting responsible breeding and maintaining both the historical and commercial significance of the breed.

In addition, recent studies have highlighted the potential for optimizing feed formulations. The gut microbiome is closely associated with both antibiotic metabolism and egg production performance in Silkie chickens. Targeted dietary interventions may effectively improve the current egg production performance of Silkie chickens and enhance their ability to metabolize antibiotics (Li et al., 2024b; Li et al., 2024c; Mei et al., 2024; Shen et al., 2025; Yang et al., 2024a; Yang et al., 2022; Yuan et al., 2023b).

Recent multi-omics studies have identified key genes and pathways linked to egg production and other traits in Silkie chicken (Basheer et al., 2015; Tan et al., 2024a; Xiang et al., 2022; Xiang et al., 2023; Yonetani et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2017). Emerging technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, offer promising solutions to overcome existing production challenges. For instance, modifying Silkie chicken embryos to regulate gene expression could enhance antibiotic metabolism and boost egg production at the genetic level (Cameron et al., 2014; Hutchison et al., 2016; Jiang et al., 2015; Jin et al., 2017; Lim et al., 2011; Schneider et al., 1998; Zhang et al., 2021). Synthetic biology approaches, including customized probiotics and microbiome optimization, could further improve disease resistance, reducing susceptibility to avian influenza and intestinal parasites. These advancements can potentially elevate Silkie chicken's production efficiency and resilience while minimizing reliance on antibiotics.

In summary, the long-term breeding trend for Silkie chickens is transitioning from an exclusive emphasis on high yield and rapid growth to a more balanced approach that prioritizes both protection and improvement. This shift aims to enhance production performance while preserving breed purity and genetic diversity in order to meet the diverse demands of markets such as exhibitions, pets, consumption, and melanin research.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of over a century of Silkie chicken research, systematically categorizing advancements and identifying critical gaps through bibliometric and statistical approaches. While substantial progress has been made, significant challenges remain, including gaps in disease management, cost-effective breeding strategies, reliable methods for Silkie chicken identification, and the pharmacological exploration of this breed. Addressing these challenges requires targeted, multidisciplinary efforts and stronger international collaboration.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.