Phenotypic variability and population structure analysis of Tanzanian free-range local chickens
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Veterinary Research
Abstract
Background: Free-range local chickens (FRLC) farming is an important activity in Tanzania, however, they have not
been well-characterized. This study aimed to phenotypically characterize three Tanzanian FRLCs and to determine
their population structure. A total of 389 mature breeder chickens (324 females and 65 males) from three popular
Tanzanian FRLC ecotypes (Kuchi, Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe) were used for the phenotypic
characterization. Progenies of these chickens were utilized to assess population structure. The ecotypes were
collected from four geographical zones across Tanzania: Lake, Central, Northern and Coastal zones. Body weights
and linear measurements were obtained from the mature breeders, including body, neck, shanks, wingspan, chest
girth, and shank girth. Descriptive statistics were utilized to characterize the chickens. Correlations between the
linear measurements and differences among the means of measured linear traits between ecotypes and between
sexes were assessed. A total of 1399 progeny chicks were genotyped using a chicken 600 K high density single
nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel for determination of population structure.
Results: The means for most traits were significantly higher in Kuchi relative to Ching’wekwe and Morogoro-
medium. However, shank length and shank girth were similar between Kuchi and Morogoro-medium females. All
traits were correlated with the exception of shank girth in Morogoro-medium. Admixture analyses revealed that
Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe clustered together as one population, separate from Kuchi.
Conclusions: Phenotypic traits could be used to characterize FRLCs, however, there were variations in traits among
individuals within ecotypes; therefore, complementary genomic methods should be considered to improve the characterization for selective breeding.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Free-range local chickens, Phenotypic diversity, Genetic diversity, Population structure