We analyzed variations in 90 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene sequences from four populations of domesticated helmeted Guinea fowls (70 individuals) and 1 population of wild helmeted Guinea fowls (20 individuals) in Kenya in order to get information about their origin, genetic diversity, and traits associated with heat stress. 90 sequences were assigned to 25 distinct mtDNA and 4 HSP70 haplotypes. Most mtDNA haplotypes of the domesticated helmeted Guinea fowls were grouped into two main haplogroups, HgA and HgB. The wild population grouped into distinct mtDNA haplogroups. Two mtDNA haplotypes dominated across all populations of domesticated helmeted Guinea fowls: Hap2 and Hap4, while the dominant HSP70 haplotype found in all populations was CGC. Higher haplotype diversities were generally observed. The HSP70 haplotype diversities were low across all populations. The nucleotide diversity values for both mtDNA and HSP70 were generally low. Most mtDNA genetic variations occurred among populations for the three hierarchical categories considered while most variations in the HSP70 gene occurred among individuals within population. The lack of population structure among the domestic populations could suggest intensive genetic intermixing. The differentiation of the wild population may be due to a clearly distinct demographic history that shaped its genetic profile. Analysis of the Kenyan Guinea fowl population structure and history based on mtDNA D-loop variations and HSP70 gene functional polymorphisms complimented by archaeological and linguistic insight supports the hypothesis that most domesticated helmeted Guinea fowls in Kenya are related to the West African domesticated helmeted Guinea fowls. We recommend more molecular studies on this emerging poultry species with potential for poverty alleviation and food security against a backdrop of climate change in Africa.

Hunting wild African harlequin quails (Coturnix delegorguei delegorguei) using traditional methods in Western Kenya has been ongoing for generations, yet their genetic diversity and evolutionary history are largely unknown. In this study, the genetic variation and demographic history of wild African harlequin quails were assessed using a 347bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region fragment and 119,339 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) data. Genetic diversity analyses revealed that the genetic variation in wild African harlequin quails was predominantly among individuals than populations. Demographic analyses indicated a signal of rapid demographic expansion, and the estimated time since population expansion was found to be 150,000–350,000 years ago, corresponding to around the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary. A gradual decline in their effective population size was also observed, which raised concerns about their conservation status. These results provide the first account of the genetic diversity of wild African harlequin quails of Siaya, thereby creating a helpful foundation in their biodiversity conservation.

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The Earth’s ambient climatic factors, such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and precipitation, vary through time and space due to climate change. Heat stress, one of the major factors affecting poultry production, is a direct result of climate change, resulting in enormous losses for the poultry sector. As a result of heat stress, several physiological changes such as suppressed immunecompetence, oxidative stress, and acid-base balance lead to reduced feed intake, feed efficiency, body weight, meat, egg quality, and sometimes mortality. Adverse effects have necessitated several adjustments in animal husbandry practices such as housing and feeding regimes to be implemented. Modifying the environment in poultry production systems can cushion exposure and compensate for losses in poultry fitness in heat-stressed environments. Some of the modifications that have been tested and shown to be successful in attenuating heat stress in poultry include shade, sprinkling cold water on their bodies, and adjusting diets to reduce metabolic heat production. The extensive genetic diversity of indigenous poultry is essential for climate change adaptation and the continuous enhancement of the genetic stock through breeding adaptive features like heat stress tolerance. The naked neck (Na) and frizzle (gene F) gene have been given attention in recent times in their role to withstand heat stress in poultry. A better understanding of indigenous poultry acclimatization to severe environments, together with methods and tools available for the selection, breeding, and matching indigenous poultry ecotypes to suitable environments, should help to minimize the effects of heat stress on indigenous poultry genetic resource growth, production, and reproduction to sustain food security.

Background: Climate change resulting in heat stress, is one of the most challenging environmental conditions affecting poultry. Studying thermotolerance is crucial in the prevention of heat stress in chickens because it may lead to the identification of genetic lines that can withstand adverse effects of heat stress. This study aimed at investigating polymorphisms in heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene in indigenous chicken ecotypes. We also analyzed the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop of indigenous chickens to assess their origins and genetic diversity. Methods: We collected samples From Turkana basin, Mt. Elgon catchment, Lake Victoria basin and Lamu chicken ecotypes in Kenya. Genomic DNA was extracted from 280 chicken samples. The first 360 bp region of HSP70 and the first 760 bp region of the mtDNA were then amplified via PCR. These were later sequenced using Sanger ABI 3730 method. Results: We reveal through a detailed analysis of the HSP70 gene fragment in 20 indigenous chickens the presence of three HSP70 haplotypes (GC, AC, and AG) and 28 mtDNA haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of HSP70 revealed the presence of the ancestral haplotype GC which dominated in Turkana basin ecotype. The 28 mtDNA haplotypes clustered in haplogroups A, B, C, D, E and I. Haplogroup E which has never been reported in commercial chickens dominated in Turkana basin ecotype indicating no admixture with commercial chickens. mtDNA haplogroups were shown to have originated from various parts of South and Southeast Asia. Lack of population structure in indigenous chicken ecotypes could be an indication of genetic admixture. The mtDNA nucleotide and haplotype diversity indices were low for Turkana basin ecotype and high for Lamu ecotype. High HSP70 nucleotide diversity indices were recorded in Turkana basin ecotype, while low values were recorded in Lamu ecotype. Most of the mtDNA genetic variations occurred within individuals for the three hierarchical categories considered while most variations in HSP70 gene occurred within populations. Conclusions: This is the first study to analyze the HSP70 polymorphisms in indigenous chickens in Africa and results obtained should pave the way for further in-depth studies on heat stress.