Genetic diversity among nine free range local chicken ecotypes in Tanzania based on microsatelliteDNA polymorphisms

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Date

2008-06

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Abstract

The genetic diversity among nine free-range local chicken ecoivpes identified in Tanzania was evaluated using 20 polymorphic microsatelliies markers. The ecotypes were named Ching'toekuie, Mbeya, Morogoro-medium, Kuchi, Singamagazi, N'zenzegere, Pemba, Tunga, and Unguja. A manual microsatellite typing procedure was adopted. Of the 20 microsaielliie loci, 16 were amplified by PCR and were highly polymorphic. Four to 15 alleles per locus and four to seven alleles per ecotype were detected. Gene diversity was venj high (62 to 79%). The shortest genetic distance as measured by Nei's standard genetic distance (Ds) was between Kuchi and Unguja ecotypes (Ds distance = 0.0671) while the White Leghorn and Unguja ecotype (Ds distance= 0.9149) presented the longest genetic distance. A Neighbour-loining dendogram based on Ds distance showed the local chicken ecotypes to assort into three clusters. The bootstrapping values within the dendogram ranged from 41 to 98%. These results indicate that the free-range local chicken ecotypes to exist in different genetic groups. The accurate genetic typing of this animal genetic resource is important in making rational decisions on the utilisation of the chickens for economical use without compromising the conservation of each unique ecotype adapted to a particular eco-climaiic zone.

Description

Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences 2008, Vol. 9(1) : 54 - 68

Keywords

Genetic diversity, Free-range local chicken ecotypes, Microsatellites, Animal genetic resourcesIntroduction

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