Abstract
The genetic diversity at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in indigenous chicken breeds of India (Ghagus and Nicobari) in comparison with the White Leghorn (WLH) breed was investigated by genotyping the MHC-linked LEI0258 marker. Altogether 38 alleles and 96 genotypes were observed among three breeds. The observed and effective alleles were highest in Ghagus (23, 8.3) followed by Nicobari (14, 3.2) and WLH (10 and 2.2) breeds. The size of alleles ranged from 193 to 489 bp in Ghagus, 193 to 552 bp in Nicobari and 241 to 565 bp in the WLH breed. The number of private alleles was also highest in Ghagus (18) followed by Nicobari (8) and WLH (5) breeds. The most frequent allele was 261 bp in WLH (66 %), 343 bp in Nicobari (50.4 %) and 309 bp in the Ghagus (28.15 %) breed. Observed and expected heterozygosities were highest in Ghagus (0.83, 0.88) followed by Nicobari (0.58, 0.68) and WLH (0.53, 0.54). The genetic distance (Nei) between Ghagus and Nicobari breeds (2.24) was higher as compared to that of Ghagus and WLH (1.23) and that between Nicobari and WLH breeds (0.89). Association analysis revealed significant influence of MHC alleles on body weight, egg production in Ghagus and WLH breeds and antibody titres to Newcastle disease vaccine in the Nicobari breed.
Highlights
Slow-growing indigenous chickens possess unique attributes like attractive multicoloured plumage, hardiness, an ability to adapt to low input suboptimal rearing conditions and survive under harsh environments, broodiness, perceived desirable taste and flavour of meat and eggs, etc
Indigenous breeds were not subjected to artificial selection, and only natural selection was operating in their rearing environment to favour individuals with higher resistance to various diseases that prevailed in the field as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is linked with disease resistance, and the higher diversity was observed in indigenous breeds
The Ghagus breed was recently collected from its native tract (Six generations back), while White Leghorn (WLH) was subjected to selection for higher egg production for last several generations, and some degree of inbreeding could have taken place in this breed
Summary
Slow-growing indigenous chickens possess unique attributes like attractive multicoloured plumage, hardiness, an ability to adapt to low input suboptimal rearing conditions and survive under harsh environments, broodiness, perceived desirable taste and flavour of meat and eggs, etc. Rearing of indigenous chickens generates subsidiary income by utilizing minimum inputs and minimum human attention It helps in gender empowerment and social upliftment of the rural/tribal people as mostly women and children are involved in rearing of indigenous chickens besides providing household nutritional security. Expression profiling of various pattern recognition receptor genes in indigenous and White Leghorn (WLH) birds revealed the highest expression of TLR1LB, MDA5, LGP2, B-Lec, IL1 β and IL8 genes in Ghagus in contrast to WLH birds (Haunshi et al, 2017). These receptor genes are known to play a significant role in innate immune competence.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
