Native Chicken Populations Research Articles

The Role of Social Capital in the Development of Native Chicken Enterprises: A Case Study at P4S Laskar Andalas

This study investigates the increase in native chicken population in Koto Parik Gadang Diateh District of South Solok Regency, credited to the transformation of MFH Farm into Pusat Pelatihan Pertanian dan Pedesaan Swadaya (P4S) Laskar Andalas. The objectives of this study include describing P4S Laskar Andalas' profile and role in native chicken business development and analyzing social capital's impact on the local economy through chicken farming. Using a case study approach, key informants such as P4S Laskar Andalas, KUB PM Koto Parik, native chicken breeders, and local restaurants were engaged. Findings reveal P4S Laskar Andalas' diverse role in native chicken husbandry, including enterprise operation, advisory services, and business partnerships. Strong social bonds between P4S Laskar Andalas, KUB-PM Koto Parik, and breeders indicate robust bonding social capital. Additionally, positive relationships with Sungai Kalu Restaurant and Teras Ayam Kampung Restaurant reflect well on bridging social capital. The strong association between P4S Laskar Andalas and the Agriculture Office of South Solok Regency demonstrates strong linkage social capital. These results underscore social capital's role in facilitating collaborative efforts and enhancing the local economy through native chicken farming.

Genetic characteristics and selection signatures between Southern Chinese local and commercial chickens

The introduction of exotic breeds and the cultivation of new lines by breeding companies have posed challenges to native chickens in South China, including loss of breed characteristics, decreased genetic diversity, and declining purity. Understanding the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of native chickens in South China is crucial for further advancements in breeding efforts. In this study, we analyzed the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of 321 individuals from 10 different breeds in South China. By comparing commercial chickens with native ones, we identified selection signatures occurring between local chickens and commercial breeds. The analysis of population genetic structure revealed that the native chicken populations in South China exhibited a considerable level of genetic diversity. Moreover, the commercial lines of Xiaobai chicken and Huangma chicken displayed even higher levels of genetic diversity, which distinguished them from other native varieties at the clustering level. However, certain individuals within these commercial varieties showed a discernible genetic relationship with the native populations. Notably, both commercial varieties also retained a significant degree of genetic similarity to their respective native counterparts. In order to investigate the genomic changes occurring during the commercialization of native chickens, we employed 4 methods (Fst, ROD, XPCLR, and XPEHH) to identify potential candidate regions displaying selective signatures in Southern Chinese native chicken population. A total of 168 (identified by Fst and ROD) and 86 (identified by XPCLR and XPEHH) overlapping genes were discovered. Functional annotation analysis revealed that these genes may be associated with reproduction and growth (SAMSN1, HYLS1, ROBO3, FGF14, PRSS23), musculoskeletal development (DNER, MYBPC1, DGKB, ORC1, KLF10), disease resistance and environmental adaptability (PUS3, CRB2, CALD1, USP15, SGCD, LTBP1), as well as egg production (ADGRB3, ACSF3). Overall, native chickens in South China harbor numerous selective sweep regions compared to commercial chickens, enriching valuable genomic resources for future genetic research and breeding conservation.

Genome-Wide Association Study on the Content of Nucleotide-Related Compounds in Korean Native Chicken Breast Meat.

Meat flavor is an important factor that influences the palatability of chicken meat. Inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), inosine, and hypoxanthine are nucleic acids that serve as taste-active compounds, mainly enhancing flavor in muscle tissue. For this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a mixed linear model to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are significantly associated with changes in the contents of the nucleotide-related compounds of breast meat in the Korean native chicken (KNC) population. The genomic region on chicken chromosome 5 containing an SNP (rs316338889) was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with all three traits. The trait-related candidate genes located in this significant genomic region were investigated through performing a functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) database search. We found six candidate genes related to the function that possibly affected the content of nucleotide-related compounds in the muscle, namely, the TNNT3 and TNNT2 genes that regulate muscle contractions; the INS, IGF2, and DUSP8 genes associated with insulin sensitivity; and the C5NT1AL gene that is presumably related to the nucleotide metabolism process. This study is the first of its kind to find candidate genes associated with the content of all three types of nucleotide-related compounds in chicken meat using GWAS. The candidate genes identified in this study can be used for genomic selection to breed better-quality chickens in the future.

Prevalence and Haplotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in Native Village Chickens and Pigs in Peninsular Malaysia.

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic foodborne parasite capable of infecting almost all warm-blooded animal species worldwide. Toxoplasmosis is usually acquired via ingestion of undercooked infected animal tissues resulting in life-threatening consequences for unborn foetus and immunocompromised individuals. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection, its associated risk factors in farms, and haplotypes isolated from the native village chicken and pig populations in Peninsular Malaysia. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in village chickens at the animal level was low at 7.6% (95% CI: 4.60-11.60), while at the farm level, it was 52.0% (95% CI: 31.30-72.20). For pigs, the animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii was 3.0% (95% CI: 1.60-5.10), while the farm-level, it was 31.6% (95% CI: 12.60-56.60). The PCR-based DNA detection on meat samples from chickens (n = 250) and pork (n = 121) detected 14.0% (95% CI: 9.95-18.9) and 5.8% (95% CI: 2.4-11.6) positive, respectively. Six unique T. gondii haplotypes were isolated from the tissue samples. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that feeding the chickens farm-produced feeds and allowing wild animals access to pig farms were significant determinants for farm-level seropositivity. Providing hygienic and good quality feeds to chickens and increasing biosecurity in pig farms through prevention of access by wildlife may reduce the risk of transmission of T. gondii infection in the local chickens and pig farms.

Genetic diversity among five native Thai chickens and Khiew-Phalee chickens in lower-northern Thailand using mitochondrial DNA barcodes

Abstract. Siriwadee P, Wirot L, Thanapol P, Wirawan N. 2023. Genetic diversity among five native Thai chickens and Khiew-Phalee chickens in lower-northern Thailand using mitochondrial DNA barcodes. Biodiversitas 24: 1962-1970. Native chickens are an important biological resource in Thailand, with each breed having distinctive features. Khiew-Phalee chickens are a valuable investment in cultural wisdom and an invaluable Thai resource worthy of conservation. It is the royal rooster of Phraya Phichai Dab Hak. Due to a crisis concerning a sharp decline in the size of the Khiew-Phalee native chicken population, the identification of potential biomarkers is important for the determination of different chicken breeds for future planning. This study aimed to investigate the molecular identification of different native Thai chicken breeds based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) barcodes, especially Khiew-Phalee chickens, which is difficult using the morphological examination. Partial sequences of 648 bp mtDNA control region fragments were determined for 53 specimens of six breeds of native Thai chickens (Khiew-Phalee, Thao Thong, Leung Hang Khao, Chee, Pra Dhu Hang Dam and Kai Jae). Genetic diversity was accessed based on the number of polymorphic sites, number of haplotypes, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and average number of differences. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on maximum likelihood. The results showed that eighteen haplotypes were identified from 9 polymorphic sites with polymorphism between nucleotides 1074, 1107, 1109, 1177, 1213, 1214, 1268, 1276 and 1305. The haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and the average number of differences for all chickens were 0.917, 0.00504 and 2.69086, respectively. All Khiew-Phalee chickens showed 7 haplotypes with 0.897 haplotype diversity, 0.00696 nucleotide diversity, and an average number of differences at 3.1795 clustered with other breeds in the phylogenetic tree. The findings indicated that the DNA barcoding gene is an effective method to identify the Khiew-Phalee and five other native Thai chicken breeds. It is a better choice for using molecular biology DNA barcoding to identify Thai native chicken breeds to plan for further conservation and development by the Department of Livestock Development of Thailand.

Genetic variation within the melatonin receptor 1C (MTNR1C) gene in the native chicken ‘Zo-ar’ of Mizoram, India

The study has been aimed to uncover the presence of polymorphism within the MTNR1C gene in native chicken population, ‘Zo-ar’ of the Mizoram state of India and to calculate the allelic and genotypic frequency to screen the variation present within the population with respect to the MTNR1C gene which is associated with various egg production traits in poultry. DNA extraction has been done with the help of blood samples collected from a total of 50 randomly chosen ‘Zo-ar’ chicken irrespective of age or sex from different regions of Mizoram. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay has been used for the detection of SNPs within the MTNR1C gene. Two genotypes AG (0.34) and GG (0.66) have been detected for the MTNR1C gene in the ‘Zo-ar’ chicken population while the AA (0.00) genotype was found to be completely absent in the present study. The G allele (0.83) was found to be predominantly present in the populations. Further, the population was found to be conforming to the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium with respect to the MTNR1C locus. From the present study the presence of variation within the MTNR1C locus was seen in the ‘Zo-ar’ chicken of Mizoram. This indicates the possibility of genetic improvement in egg production traits by using proper selection methods and formulating appropriate mating systems.

Effect of genotype and egg weight on hatchability properties and embryonic mortality pattern of native chicken populations

Fertility and hatchability are 2 major parameters that highly influence the reproductive performance of chicken breeds. The objective of this study is to investigate how the genetic background of chickens affects the aspects of fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality pattern. Six different native chicken genotypes (black, black-barred, brown, gray, naked neck, and frizzle) kept under similar conditions were evaluated. A total of 1,645 fertile pedigreed eggs from all genetic groups were collected and incubated in forced draft setter. Fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, and hatched chick weight were determined. The data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance with breed (genotype) as a fixed effect. Sire component of variance were used to compute heritability estimates for hatchability traits. The results showed that the fertility and hatchability of the eggs produced from the naked neck or frizzle genotypes exhibited higher values compared to the other genetic groups. An increase in the relative weight of hatched chicks was detected in hatching eggs weighing 44 g or higher. Therefore, attention should be given to the egg size produced by native chicken populations to achieve maximum hatchability performance. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the settable egg weight and the egg weight loss during incubation are the main factors affecting the relative weight of hatched chicks of all genotypes.

Path coefficient analysis of haemato-biochemical traits to explore the heat stress in native Khadia chicken population of northern Odisha, India

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the haemato-biochemical parameters of native Khadia chicken reared under backyard poultry production system. Data were collected from 280 Khadia chicken population. The haemato-biochemical parameters were altered significantly due to heat stress. The stress related traits, viz. heart rate (447.68±4.50 beat/min) and cloacal temperature (46.32±0.12) were recorded. The correlation between heart rate and AST was 0.76 and the correlation with other haemato-biochemical parameters was also significant under stressful conditions. Similarly, cloacal temperature also significantly correlated with haemato-biochemical parameters under thermal stress. The path coefficient analysis was executed to identify the direct effect of AST on heart rate and cloacal temperature which were 0.57 and 0.46, respectively. The multiple regression analysis showed AST is the central factor contributing to variation in stress related traits which can be used as a selection tool for selection at early stage of birds for thermal tolerance.

Genome-wide run of homozygosity analysis reveals candidate genomic regions associated with environmental adaptations of Tibetan native chickens

BackgroundIn Tibet, the two most important breeds are Tibetan chicken and Lhasa white chicken, and the duo exhibit specific adaptations to the high altitude thereby supplying proteins for humans living in the plateau. These breeds are partly included in the conservation plans because they represent important chicken genetic resources. However, the genetic diversity of these chickens is rarely investigated. Based on whole-genome sequencing data of 113 chickens from 4 populations of Tibetan chicken including Shigatse (SH), Nyemo (NM), Dagze (DZ) and Nyingchi (LZ), as well as Lhasa white (LW) chicken breed, we investigated the genetic diversity of these chicken breeds by genetic differentiation, run of homozygosity (ROH), genomic inbreeding and selection signature analyses.ResultsOur results revealed high genetic diversity across the five chicken populations. The linkage disequilibrium decay was highest in LZ, while subtle genetic differentiation was found between LZ and other populations (Fst ranging from 0.05 to 0.10). Furthermore, the highest ROH-based inbreeding estimate (FROH) of 0.11 was observed in LZ. In other populations, the FROH ranged from 0.04 to 0.06. In total, 74, 111, 62, 42 and 54 ROH islands containing SNPs ranked top 1% for concurrency were identified in SH, NM, DZ, LZ and LW, respectively. Genes common to the ROH islands in the five populations included BDNF, CCDC34, LGR4, LIN7C, GLS, LOC101747789, MYO1B, STAT1 and STAT4. This suggested their essential roles in adaptation of the chickens. We also identified a common candidate genomic region harboring AMY2A, NTNG1 and VAV3 genes in all populations. These genes had been implicated in digestion, neurite growth and high-altitude adaptation.ConclusionsHigh genetic diversity is observed in Tibetan native chickens. Inbreeding is more intense in the Nyingchi population which is also genetically distant from other chicken populations. Candidate genes in ROH islands are likely to be the drivers of adaptation to high altitude exhibited by the five Tibetan native chicken populations. Our findings contribute to the understanding of genetic diversity offer valuable insights for the genetic mechanism of adaptation, and provide veritable tools that can help in the design and implementation of breeding and conservation strategies for Tibetan native chickens.

A study on the conservation status of Korean native chicken populations

A study on the conservation status of Korean native chicken populations

The dynamics of population and production of Native Chicken under extensive- and semi-intensive maintenance

This study evaluated kampung chickens’ growth rate and production performance in extensive and semi-intensive rearing in Central Java, Indonesia. The survey method was employed for this study. The targets used in the study were kampung chicken farmers in the Banyumas and Kebumen areas. The survey method is carried out by collecting data, observing and measuring population, production performance, including meat and egg production. The data obtained, processed, and presented in the tables and graphs, calculated the population and production of chicken to evaluate its growth. The performance of chicken production, including egg production, egg weight, number of eggs hatched, and hatchability, was analyzed using general linear model (GLM) analysis. The result showed a 1.9% growth rate of the native chicken population, in which the hens outnumbered the roosters. The meat and egg production growth rates were 8.2% and 6.8%, respectively, between 2016 and 2020 in Central Java. Native chickens kept under semi-intensive maintenance produced more eggs than those in an extensive system. Conclusively, native chicken of Central Java experienced growth in population and production of meat and egg. The semi-intensive system, compared to the extensive system, had a higher rate of eggs production.

​Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) C-2161G in the Promoter Region of Prolactin Gene and its Association with Egg Production in Tellicherry Native Chicken

Background: Prolactin is a physiological candidate gene which has significant effects on egg production in poultry. Also, it plays a major role on incubation behaviour (broodiness) in birds. The main objective of the present study was identification of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C-2161G in the promoter region of prolactin gene and its association with egg production in Tellicherry native chicken population. Methods: A total of 200 blood samples were collected from the randomly selected birds of Tellicherry native chicken in All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry improvement (AICRP) farm, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala. Isolation of Genomic DNA was done and the isolated samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis to identify the SNP C-2161G of prolactin gene. Result: On the basis of RFLP patterns, birds were designated with three different genotypes namely CC, CG and GG. The allelic and genotypic frequency was calculated. The observed genotypic frequency at the SNP site C-2161G was CC (0.61), CG (0.160) and GG (0.23) and the frequency of allele was 0.69 for C and 0.31 for G. The egg production was shown to be statistically similar for the genotypes of SNP C-2161G.

Genetic diversity among two native Indian chicken populations using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b DNA barcodes.

Background and Aim:India has large varieties (recognized, unrecognized) of native chickens (Desi) scattered throughout the country, managed under scavenging system different from commercial chicken breeds. However, they are less investigated for genetic diversity they harbor. The present study was planned to evaluate genetic diversity among two native chicken populations of North Gujarat (proposed Aravali breed) and South Gujarat (Ankleshwar breed). Aravali chicken, a distinct population with unique characters different from the registered chicken breeds of India is under process to be registered as a new chicken breed of Gujarat, India.Materials and Methods:Two mitochondrial markers, namely, cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COX I) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes were studied across 10 birds from each population. Methodology included sample collection (blood), DNA isolation (manual), polymerase chain reaction amplification of mitochondrial genes, Sanger sequencing, and purification followed by data analysis using various softwares.Results:Haplotype analysis of the COX I gene unveiled a total eight and three haplotypes from the Aravali and Ankleshwar populations, respectively, with haplotype diversity (Hd) of 92.70 % for the Aravali and 34.50% for the Ankleshwar breed. Haplotype analysis of the Cyt b gene revealed a total of four haplotypes from the Aravali population with 60% Hd and no polymorphism in Ankleshwar breed. The phylogenetic analysis uncovered Red Jungle Fowl and Gray Jungle Fowl as prime roots for both populations and all domestic chicken breeds.Conclusion:Study findings indicated high genetic variability in Aravali chicken populations with COX I mitochondrial marker being more informative for evaluating genetic diversity in chickens.

Qualitative Traits and Genetic Characterization of Native Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Selected Areas of Eastern and Western Samar, Philippines

The Philippines has a number ofchicken genetic groups, mostly of non-descript and indigenous type. In view of the need to expand the information on native chicken diversity, this study was conducted to identify distinct qualitative traits and estimate genetic diversity and relationship among native chicken populations in selected areas of Eastern and Western Samar, Philippines. A total of 100 native chickens were qualitatively analyzed using a non-parametrictest, and 43 generated mtDNA sequences were used in the genetic analysis. Results revealed significantly different distributions of plumage color among male native chickens and shank color in female native chickens (p&lt;0.05). The occurrence of plumage pattern, earlobecolor and shank colorfor male native chickens and plumage color, plumage pattern, and earlobe color for female native chickens across Samar Island is not different (p&gt;0.05). The genetic relationship showed 41.2% native chicken populations clustered to a group shared by Red junglefowl and native chicken, 29.4% clustered to a group closer to White Leghorn, and White Plymouth Rock chicken breeds, 17.6% clustered to a group shared by G, g. spadiceus and a commercial line, and 11.7% clustered to a group closer to Rhode Island Red and a commercial egg layer line. Samar native chickens had red (wild-type, e+) laced (lg) and brown (eg) pencilled (Pg) plumage in rooster and hen, respectively. The phenotypic and genetic information concluded that there is considerable diversity of native chickens in Samar, Philippines. There is a tremendous opportunity to work with larger sample size in the areas where a number of indigenous chickens have notyetbeen characterized.

Identification of 24bp indel(s) Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of prolactin Gene and its Association with Broodiness in Tellicherry Native Chicken

Background: Broodiness is a sex linked behavioural trait observed in most of the domestic fowls and it’s also known as incubation behaviour. Prolactin (PRL) is the principal gene which plays a crucial role to the onset and maintenance of broodiness in birds. The present study was aimed at identification of 24bp (insertion-deletion) indel polymorphism at the promoter region of prolactin gene and its association with broodiness in Telllicherry native chicken population. Methods: A total number of 200 birds of Tellicherry native chicken were randomly selected from All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on poultry improvement, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala. Blood samples were collected from the wing vein under aseptic condition and isolation of Genomic DNA was done. Isolated DNA samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific set of forward and reverse primer to detect a 24bp indel polymorphism in the prolactin gene. PCR amplicons were subjected to further molecular analysis. Result: According to the polymorphic patterns birds were categorized to three different genotypes viz., II (insertion-insertion), ID (insertion-deletion) and DD (deletion-deletion). The genotype and allele frequency was calculated and the frequency of I allele (0.6975) was found to be higher than D allele (0.3025). Results of this study suggest that the incubation behaviour could be eliminated in Tellicherry native chicken population by increasing the frequency of I allele upon selective breeding which may enhance the egg production. Therefore, this 24bp indel polymorphism could be used as a molecular marker in poultry breeding.

Genetic diversity of MHC-B in 12 chicken populations in Korea revealed by single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

This study used a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel to characterise the diversity in the major histocompatibility complex B region (MHC-B) in 12 chicken populations in Korea. Samples were genotyped for 96 MHC-B SNPs using an Illumina GoldenGate genotyping assay. The MHC-B SNP haplotypes were predicted using 58 informative SNPs and a coalescence-based Bayesian algorithm implemented by the PHASE program and a manual curation process. In total, 117 haplotypes, including 24 shared and 93 unique haplotypes, were identified. The unique haplotype numbers ranged from 0 in Rhode Island Red to 32 in the Korean native commercial chicken population 2 ("Hanhyup-3ho"). Population and haplotype principal component analysis (PCA) indicated no clear population structure based on the MHC haplotypes. Three haplotype clusters (A, B, C) segregated in these populations highlighted the relationship between the haplotypes in each cluster. The sequences from two clusters (B and C) overlapped, whereas the sequences from the third cluster (A) were very different. Overall, native breeds had high genetic diversity in the MHC-B region compared with the commercial breeds. This highlights their immune capabilities and genetic potential for resistance to many different pathogens.

KERAGAMAN SIFAT KUALITATIF AYAM KAMPUNG DI MINAHASA

THE DIVERSITY OF QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS IN NATIVE CHICKEN AROUND MINAHASA. This study aims to determine the diversity of qualitative characteristics in native chicken around Minahasa Regency. A total of 292 adult chickens were used as samples taken randomly and analyzed using descriptive methods. The results showed that the phenotype frequency, color genotype and feather pattern were 0.000515. Trait frequencies of comb shape was 0.000458, cupping color was 0.9957, foot skin color was 0.9949, and spur shape was 0.000193. The degree of heterosigosity of qualitative characteristics of Kampung chickens in Minahasa on average was in the medium category (0.20) to high (0.50). The degree of heterosigosity of the phenotypic traits of native chicken in Minahasa indicated the relative low degree of inbreeding mating. Distribution of phenotypic inheritance of feather color, comb shape and shape of male foot spurs based on samples of native chicken populations were not in genetic equilibrium. The qualitative traits of native chickens in the Minahasa Regency showed a fairly high level of diversity. Key words: native chicken, qualitative characteristics.

Major histocompatibility complex B variability in Korean native chicken breeds

Adaptive genetic variations have direct influences on the fitness traits of the animal. The major histocompatibility complex B (MHC-B) region is responsible for adaptive and innate immune responses in chickens. In native Korean chicken breeds, no information on serologically defined B haplotypes is available. We investigated the MHC-B diversity in 5 restored lines of Korean native chicken and Ogye chicken breeds using a recently described MHC-B single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel and the MHC-linked LEI0258 variable number of tandem repeat marker. High SNP haplotype diversity was observed in Korean native chicken breeds with an average of 9.7 MHC-B SNP haplotypes per line. The total number of haplotypes ranged from 6 to 12 per line, and population-specific haplotypes ranged from 3 to 4. A total of 41 BSNP haplotypes, including 26 novel population-specific haplotypes and 15 common haplotypes, were reported over all populations. The 15 common haplotypes included 7 novel and 8 previously reported standard haplotypes. Selection and breeding evidence supports the observation of common haplotypes between the Korean native chicken and exotic breeds. Similarly, the LEI0258 marker showed allele variation, between 193 bp and 474 bp having 5 to 8 alleles per population. Some of these alleles (193, 249, 309, and 443 bp) were shared and more frequently observed. Comparison between SNP haplotypes and LEI0258 allele sizes for the same samples showed that some LEI0258 allele sizes correspond to more than one BSNP haplotype. The use of the MHC-B SNP panel greatly enhances the identification of MHC diversity compared with the sole use of the LEI0258 marker in native chicken populations.

Genotype frequency distributions of 28 SNP markers in two commercial lines and five Chinese native chicken populations

BackgroundModern breeding in the poultry industry mainly aims to produce high-performance poultry lines and breeds in two main directions of productivity, meat and eggs. To understand more about the productive potential of lowly selected Chinese native chicken populations, we selected 14 representative SNP markers strongly associated with growth traits or carcass traits and 14 SNP markers strongly associated with egg laying traits through previous reports. By using the MassArray technology, we detected the genotype frequency distributions of these 28 SNP markers in seven populations including four lowly selected as well as one moderately selected Sichuan native chicken populations, one commercial broiler line and one commercial layer line.ResultsBased on the genotype frequency distributions of these 28 SNP markers in 5 native chicken populations and 2 commercial lines, the results suggested that these Chinese indigenous chicken populations have a relatively close relationship with the commercial broiler line but a marked distinction from the commercial layer line. Two native chicken breeds, Shimian Caoke Chicken and Daheng Broilers, share similar genetic structure with the broiler line.ConclusionsOur observations may help us to better select and breed superior domestic chickens and provide new clues for further study of breeding programs in local chicken populations.

Comparative Analysis of Korean Native Chicken Populations using the Mtdna D-Loop Region Sequences

Comparative Analysis of Korean Native Chicken Populations using the Mtdna D-Loop Region Sequences