Evaluation of the genetic diversity of six Chinese indigenous chickens

Abstract

Objective: The extensive breeding of commercial chickens has led to a sharp decrease in the resources of many indigenous chickens, especially the indigenous chickens in the southeastern coastal region, which are on the verge of extinction, and the indigenous chickens in the northwestern region of China, which are also at risk. However, there are few reports on the evaluation of genetic diversity and conservation of genetic resources of indigenous chickens in remote areas in the Northwest of China. Methods: In the present study, the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of six indigenous chickens from different regions were studied based on variation in mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop), and the degree of introgression from commercial breeds into these chickens was determined by the amount of haplotype sharing between indigenous and commercial breeds. Results: Twenty-five polymorphic sites and 25 haplotypes were detected in 206 individuals. Principal component analysis showed that the Jingning chicken had the highest genetic diversity among the six indigenous chickens. According to the degree of introgression, the six indigenous breeds may be involved in haplotype sharing with commercial breeds, and the introgression from commercial chickens into the Haidong chicken is the most serious. Conclusion: The genetic uniqueness of indigenous chickens has been eroded, so it is necessary to consider the protection of their genetic resources. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the six indigenous chickens have two major matrilineal origins: one from Yunnan or its surrounding areas in China and the other from the Indian subcontinent.

Studying Genetic Diversity and Relationships between Mountainous Meihua Chickens Using Mitochondrial DNA Control Region

“…In order to properly compare the samples with different sizes, those conducting future studies should use the rarefaction method. Similar results were previously found when comparing MH with other indigenous chicken breeds from China using the same metrics [42,43]. These results could provide further support for improving breeding practices.…”

Population Structure and Genetic Diversity Analysis of “Yufen 1” H Line Chickens Using Whole-Genome Resequencing

“…However, exotic breeds are widely utilized in poultry production as a way to meet market and economic needs. Although the extensive utilization and hybridization of exotic poultry breeds have improved production performance and economic efficiency, they have also negatively impacted the resources of indigenous breeds, especially those in the southeast coastal areas of China, which are on the verge of extinction [ 4 ]. In fact, it is estimated that a considerable proportion of indigenous poultry breeds (21.3% worldwide) are endangered due to breeding strategies that are deemed inadequate for the genetic sustainability of indigenous breeds [ 5 ].…”

STC2 Inhibits Hepatic Lipid Synthesis and Correlates with Intramuscular Fatty Acid Composition, Body Weight and Carcass Traits in Chickens

“…In recent years, many studies have resolved the genetic mechanisms behind genetic variation that shape phenotypic diversity [43,44]. Jepsen et al (2015) found that STC2 inhibited mammalian growth by proteolytic inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor axis, and STC2 (C120A), which cannot inhibit PAPP-A, grows like wild-type mice [45].…”