Shamo Aseel also comes in three varieties: the first is O-Shamo, the second is KO-Shamo, and the third is Chu-Shamo.
Shamo Aseel is a good breed for gamefowl in Japan. In addition to Shamo, there are other breeds in Japan that are recognized as Natural Monuments of Japan. It is believed that Shamo breeds originate from Malay-type fighting chickens that were brought from Thailand in the early 17th century. In this article, we will discuss details related to Shamo.
Shamo Aseel Breed:
If we consider the name “Shamo,” it derives from “Siam,” which was the old name for Thailand. The Shamo breed is originally from Thailand, but it was popularized in Japan for cockfighting. The Japanese people particularly enjoy cockfighting, which is still legally permitted in Japan as there is no ban on it. Beyond Japan, the Shamo breed is used in shows around the world, including in Pakistan, India, and the United States, where winners are also awarded prizes.
O-Shamo, KO-Shamo, and Chu-Shamo are distinguished from one another based on their weight and height. However, they are bred to be temperamental and display the spirit of a fighter. Although they are quite different from each other, Shamo is still included in the list of fighting breeds.
O-shamo Breed:
The O-Shamo breed’s ancestors were present in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867), and it is also found in Thailand. The body height of O-Shamo is about 2.5 feet, and its weight is approximately 5 kilograms. Its body features seven prominent ridges. It has long legs that further add to its height. O-Shamo is an excellent breed for fighting. People who prefer tall chickens also favor this breed. Due to its weight, Shamo is used as a delicacy in many countries.
- Weight of O-Shamo: The weight of a male Shamo is approximately 5,600 grams, while the female weighs around 4,800 grams.
- Colors of O-Shamo: Black, Red, Silver, Buff Columbian, White.
KO-Shamo Breed:
KO-Shamo is the most preferred breed among the small-sized breeds worldwide. Its graceful movement is one of the reasons why this breed is so popular. Many people refer to this breed as Shamo Bantams, which is incorrect. It is a mistake to categorize Shamo as a fancy breed. Many people have successfully created excellent fighting breeds by mixing KO-Shamo with normal Aseel, and the movement of these breeds often reveals their KO-Shamo cross origins. Therefore, the KO-Shamo breed should be listed under the Aseel breeds category.
- Weight of KO-Shamo: The weight of a male is 2,200 grams, and the female weighs 1,800 grams.
- Colors of KO-Shamo: Red, Brown, Black, Silver, White.
Chu-Shamo Breed:
Chu-Shamo has similar qualities to KO-Shamo and O-Shamo, but it differs primarily in height and weight. Its height is average, which is visually appealing because chickens of normal height are favored by enthusiasts, regardless of breed.
- Weight of Chu-Shamo: The weight of a male is 2,800 grams, and the female weighs 2,400 grams.
- Colors of Chu-Shamo: Red, Brown, Black, White, Silver.
Shamo Breed in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, the Shamo breed is kept by many people. It is used both for business and events. For business purposes, Pakistani Aseel breeds are used for fighting, while farm and local chicken are used for consumption. In Pakistan, the O-level Shamo breed is found, which was described earlier.
Shamo Breed in India:
In India, the Shamo breed is also used for fighting, as well as for business and events. However, it is not used for consumption at all. The eating percentage of the Shamo breed in India is 0%.
Events Involving the Shamo Breed:
Shamo breed events are organized in almost every country. These events typically feature O-Shamo and KO-Shamo breeds. During the events, participants’ Shamo chickens are evaluated based on height and quality to determine which one is superior to the others. The winner is then awarded various prizes. These prizes are often given in the form of cups or cash. To participate in these events, a registration fee is required. Such events are usually organized in major cities of various countries.
Egg Production of Female Shamo Breeds:
The Shamo breed is included in the Aseel breed category. However, Shamo hens do not possess the same egg-laying abilities as other Aseel hens. While Aseel hens can lay 12 to 15 eggs and then incubate them for 21 to 22 days to hatch chicks, Shamo hens lack this ability. They do not go through the incubation process themselves and are not capable of hatching eggs.
Shamo hens can lay continuously, producing 70 to 80 eggs at a time without taking breaks. If you are interested in breeding Shamo, you will need to arrange for an incubator to facilitate the hatching process, as Shamo hens will not perform this function themselves.