The Role of Molecular Tools in Genetic Diversity Conservation of Indigenous Chicken Production, Tanzania: Short Communication

Edward Moto

doi:10.11648/j.ajpst.20200602.11

Abstract

Molecular techniques refers to methods used in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and biophysics which involve manipulation and analysis of DNA and RNA. Molecular techniques can also be used in biology to study genetic diversity and variation. Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. It shows similarity and variation that exist between breeds of the same species. Genetic diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt to changing environment. An increase loss of genetic diversity has been observed in most of agricultural species and particularly chicken genetic resources are considered to be the most threatened. Selective breeding by humans have 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 chicken development. The relevance of genetic diversity conservation in chicken production cannot be overemphasized because genes play a great 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 chicken have been developed.

Highlights

Genetic diversity of local poultry breeds is the most genetic diversity of the poultry world and play a critical roles in least developed countries such as Tanzania and others
In Tanzania poultry breeds has been largely classified based on phenotypic appearance and morphological structures such as body size and coat colour and information evidence obtained from indigenous communities such as adaptation and feeding habit, which may be inadequate and ambiguous [9]
Livestock research institutes have done very little in conservation of animal genetic including local chicken genetic

Summary

Introduction

Genetic diversity of local poultry breeds is the most genetic diversity of the poultry world and play a critical roles in least developed countries such as Tanzania and others. Several studies on genetic characterization of indigenous chicken in Tanzania has been carried out, include; Lyimo et al, [7], characterized indigenous chicken in East and coast zone, Msoffe et al, [10] characterized chicken in Morogoro region and Moto and Rubanza [8] characterized indigenous chicken in the Central part of Tanzania All those studies reported a great genetic variation of local chicken exists in Tanzania. Livestock research institutes have done very little in conservation of animal genetic including local chicken genetic.

The Loss of Genetic Diversity in Indigenous Chicken Breeds in Tanzania

The Substitution of Local Breed by Exotic Breeds

Indiscrimination of Crossbreeding

The Consumer’s Preference

The Importance of Conservation of Indigenous Chicken Genetic Diversity

Measuring of Genetic Diversity

Measurement of Genetic Diversity by Phenotypic Approach

Findings

Use of Molecular Markers in Measurement of Genetic Diversity

Conclusion