Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Today, genetic studies are gaining popularity around the world, especially in the developed world. The study of genetic diversity is the basis for genetic protection and future breed improvement. The current study aimed to assess the genetic diversity, genetic relationship, and to identify the genes affecting the plumage colors of eight Swedish chicken breeds. There are about 11 breeds of Swedish chickens in Sweden. The study breeds were Gotlandshöna, Öländsk dvärghöna, Kindahöna, Hedemorahöna, Skånsk blommehöna, Åsbohöna, Ölandhöna, and svarthöna chicken.
A total of 83 chickens were genotyped using a 62K SNP chip. The mean observed heterozygosity of the study breeds was 0.40 and the mean inbreeding coefficient (F) of the study breeds calculated from the discrepancy of observed and expected heterozygotes was -0.07. The mean FST of the study breeds was 0.36, which indicated that the Swedish chicken breeds were very diverse. The study breeds formed 3 main clusters in the multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) plot based on their genetic relationship, where most of the breeds were grouped in one of the main groups. Due to population structure, it was not possible to identify potential SNPs involved in plumage color variation.
To do GWAS for plumage color variability of Swedish chickens, the sample size must be much larger. The current study on genetic diversity may help to strengthen the genetic conservation program, such as, eliminating inbreeding and conducting additional molecular-based studies. Further research into plumage color variability should be done, by including many more individuals.