Conservation of Genetic Diversity: It's Relevance in Poultry Production

Abstract

Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic make-up of a species. It shows variation that exists between breeds of the same species. Genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environment. An increasing loss of genetic diversity has been observed for all agriculturally used species and poultry genetic resources are considered to be the most endangered. Selective breeding by humans has led to the creation of many breeds characterized by high productivity, leading to the displacement of local breeds and posing a threat to the survival of many native breeds. Genetic resources are the building blocks for poultry development. The relevance of genetic diversity conservation in poultry production cannot be overemphasized because genes play a major role in formation of breeds and species. With recent advances in molecular technology, a number of techniques for in-depth genome analysis and evaluation of genetic variation in different breeds of poultry have been developed.