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Desta TT, Wakeyo O. Breeding practice of indigenous village chickens, and traits and breed preferences of smallholder farmers. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1517. [PMID: 38952253 PMCID: PMC11217597 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous village chickens, or (IVCs), significantly contribute to rural livelihoods. Although natural selection has a disproportionate impact on the genetic structure of IVCs, farmers have developed locally tailored breeding practices to get the most out of their flocks. OBJECTIVES Small-scale farmers' insights on trait breed preferences and family flock breeding practices are presented in this cross-sectional study. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in two agroecological zones using face-to-face individual interviews with 119 general informants. RESULTS Farmers prefer IVCs because they are multipurpose birds. Unlike policymakers, who usually underestimate the importance of IVCs, small-scale farmers acknowledge the coexistence of local and commercial chickens. Only 15.7% of farmers recruited homegrown cocks, whereas 47.9% outsourced breeding cocks from local markets and 36.4% from neighbours (χ-squared = 15.976, df = 2, p = 0.0003395). About 49.2% of small-scale farmers believed that consanguineous mating-induced inbreeding has only trivial effects. High flock turnover significantly reduces inbreeding. Regardless of the low production capacity, small-scale farmers prefer local (rank = 1.47) chickens to commercial (rank = 1.61). For cocks, fertility and growth traits were highly sought after, whereas for hens, maternal instincts and laying performance were prioritized. Compared to the highlands, the lowlands had a longer egg storage period (t = 2.677, df = 117, p = 0.009, 95% CI: -3.7607, -0.5622). CONCLUSIONS This study documented the wisdom of small-scale farmers and encouraged the incorporation of their insights into a sustainable genetic improvement program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takele Taye Desta
- Wolaita Sodo AgriculturalTechnical, VocationalEducation and Training CollegeSodoEthiopia
- Present address:
Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics EducationKotebe University of EducationAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Oli Wakeyo
- Wolaita Sodo AgriculturalTechnical, VocationalEducation and Training CollegeSodoEthiopia
- Present address:
College of Agriculture and Environmental ScienceArsi UniversityAselaEthiopia
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Tan X, Liu R, Zhao D, He Z, Li W, Zheng M, Li Q, Wang Q, Liu D, Feng F, Zhu D, Zhao G, Wen J. Large-scale genomic and transcriptomic analyses elucidate the genetic basis of high meat yield in chickens. J Adv Res 2024; 55:1-16. [PMID: 36871617 PMCID: PMC10770282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Investigating the genetic markers and genomic signatures related to chicken meat production by combing multi-omics methods could provide new insights into modern chicken breeding technology systems. OBJECT Chicken is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly livestock, especially the fast-growing white-feathered chicken (broiler), which is well known for high meat yield, but the underlying genetic basis is poorly understood. METHOD We generated whole-genome resequencing of three purebred broilers (n = 748) and six local breeds/lines (n = 114), and sequencing data of twelve chicken breeds (n = 199) were obtained from the NCBI database. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing of six tissues from two chicken breeds (n = 129) at two developmental stages was performed. A genome-wide association study combined with cis-eQTL mapping and the Mendelian randomization was applied. RESULT We identified > 17 million high-quality SNPs, of which 21.74% were newly identified, based on 21 chicken breeds/lines. A total of 163 protein-coding genes underwent positive selection in purebred broilers, and 83 genes were differentially expressed between purebred broilers and local chickens. Notably, muscle development was proven to be the major difference between purebred broilers and local chickens, or ancestors, based on genomic and transcriptomic evidence from multiple tissues and stages. The MYH1 gene family showed the top selection signatures and muscle-specific expression in purebred broilers. Furthermore, we found that the causal gene SOX6 influenced breast muscle yield and also related to myopathy occurrences. A refined haplotype was provided, which had a significant effect on SOX6 expression and phenotypic changes. CONCLUSION Our study provides a comprehensive atlas comprising the typical genomic variants and transcriptional characteristics for muscle development and suggests a new regulatory target (SOX6-MYH1s axis) for breast muscle yield and myopathy, which could aid in the development of genome-scale selective breeding aimed at high meat yield in broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ranran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Di Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhengxiao He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Maiqing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qinghe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dawei Liu
- Foshan Gaoming Xinguang Agricultural and Animal Industrials Corporation, Foshan 528515, China
| | - Furong Feng
- Foshan Gaoming Xinguang Agricultural and Animal Industrials Corporation, Foshan 528515, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Foshan Gaoming Xinguang Agricultural and Animal Industrials Corporation, Foshan 528515, China
| | - Guiping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jie Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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Tiemann I, Becker S, Fournier J, Damiran D, Büscher W, Hillemacher S. Differences among domestic chicken breeds in tonic immobility responses as a measure of fearfulness. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14703. [PMID: 37033722 PMCID: PMC10081456 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One priority for animal welfare is for animals to experience less fear, especially during human contact. For domestic animals, breeds that are less fearful may provide genetic resources to develop strains with improved welfare due to lower susceptibility to fear. Genetic predispositions inherited in these breeds might reflect the large diversity of chicken breeds. The goal of the present study was to systematically test a diverse group of chicken breeds to search for breeds that experience less fear. Methods Nineteen chicken breeds from commercial hybrid lines, native layer-type, meat-type and dual-purpose breeds, ornamental breeds as well as bantam breeds were tested in a standardized tonic immobility (TI) test. Chickens were manually restrained on their back, and the time to first head movement and first leg movement, the duration of TI, as well as the number of attempts needed to induce TI were measured. Results The TI response differed among chicken breeds (p ≤ 0.001) for naïve, mature hens. The median number of attempts required to induce TI ranged from 1 to 2 and did not differ significantly among breeds. Median durations were much more variable, with Lohmann Brown showing shortest durations (6 s, 12 s, 58 s for time to first head movement, first leg movement and total duration of TI, respectively). In contrast, medians reached the maximum of 600 s for all three measures in German Creepers. Repeated tests on the same individuals did not affect attempts needed to induce TI nor TI durations. Breeds clustered into two main groups, with layer-type native breeds and ornamental breeds having longer TI durations, and bantam, dual-purpose and meat-type native breeds having shorter TI durations. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence for substantial variation of fearfulness among breeds. This variation could be linked to the intended use during the breed's specific history. Knowledge and quantitative measurement of these behavioural responses provide the opportunity to improve welfare through selection and future breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Tiemann
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Senta Becker
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jocelyn Fournier
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Daalkhaijav Damiran
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Wolfgang Büscher
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sonja Hillemacher
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Yang N, Tang C, Azimu W, Wang H, Tuersuntuoheti T, Yalimaimaiti Y, Kelimu N, Li HS, Wumaier A, Sun XY, Hao CS, Muhatai G. Phenotypic and genetic diversity of the Anjian chicken in China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1003615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Anjian chicken is a local breed in Hotan, Xinjiang, China. Herein, we studied the morphological characteristics and genetic diversity of the Anjian chicken population. The findings of this study could inform the genetic improvement strategy of this breed. Phenotypic characteristics investigated included the diversity in the general appearance, feather color, and crowing length of the Anjian cocks. The population structure of the Anjian chicken and its relationship with other chicken breeds were also assessed based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequence analysis. Phenotypically, the feather color of the Anjian chicken varied considerably. The sequence diversity analysis revealed the following: nucleotide diversity (Pi) was 0.00618, haplotype diversity (Hd) was 0.776, the average number of nucleotide differences (k) was 7.631, and Tajima’s (D) was −0.00407, indicating that Anjian chicken is moderately genetically diverse. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Anjian chicken breed has 10 haplotypes clustered into two branches. Genetic distance and median network analysis showed that the mtDNA D-loop sequence of the Anjian chicken was distributed in many different clusters of the tree. These data demonstrate that even though the Anjian chicken mainly originated from red jungle fowl, it has multiple maternal origins. In conclusion, the Anjian chicken is highly genetically diverse.
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Wang K, Hu H, Tian Y, Li J, Scheben A, Zhang C, Li Y, Wu J, Yang L, Fan X, Sun G, Li D, Zhang Y, Han R, Jiang R, Huang H, Yan F, Wang Y, Li Z, Li G, Liu X, Li W, Edwards D, Kang X. The chicken pan-genome reveals gene content variation and a promoter region deletion in IGF2BP1 affecting body size. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5066-5081. [PMID: 34329477 PMCID: PMC8557422 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestication and breeding have reshaped the genomic architecture of chicken, but the retention and loss of genomic elements during these evolutionary processes remain unclear. We present the first chicken pan-genome constructed using 664 individuals, which identified an additional ∼66.5 Mb sequences that are absent from the reference genome (GRCg6a). The constructed pan-genome encoded 20,491 predicated protein-coding genes, of which higher expression level are observed in conserved genes relative to dispensable genes. Presence/absence variation (PAV) analyses demonstrated that gene PAV in chicken was shaped by selection, genetic drift, and hybridization. PAV-based GWAS identified numerous candidate mutations related to growth, carcass composition, meat quality, or physiological traits. Among them, a deletion in the promoter region of IGF2BP1 affecting chicken body size is reported, which is supported by functional studies and extra samples. This is the first time to report the causal variant of chicken body size QTL located at chromosome 27 which was repeatedly reported. Therefore, the chicken pan-genome is a useful resource for biological discovery and breeding. It improves our understanding of chicken genome diversity and provides materials to unveil the evolution history of chicken domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Haifei Hu
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009 WA, Australia
| | - Yadong Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Armin Scheben
- Simons Center for Quantitative Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yiyi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Junfeng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xuewei Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Guirong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Donghua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Ruili Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Ruirui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Hetian Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Fengbin Yan
- Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yanbin Wang
- Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhuanjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Guoxi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Wenting Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - David Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009 WA, Australia
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.,Henan Key laboratory for innovation and utilization of chicken germplasm resources,Zhengzhou, 450046, China
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González Ariza A, Arando Arbulu A, León Jurado JM, Navas González FJ, Delgado Bermejo JV, Camacho Vallejo ME. Discriminant Canonical Tool for Differential Biometric Characterization of Multivariety Endangered Hen Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082211. [PMID: 34438669 PMCID: PMC8388411 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breed undefinition boosts the risk of irreversible breed loss due to its substitution by dominant breeds. Breed loss results detrimental for the fraction of the genetic pool which is linked to the value of livestock as perfectly adapted elements of domestic ecosystems among other desirable features. In turn, this ensures and maximizes population sustainability. The present study aimed to design a biometric characterization tool in autochthonous avian breeds and their varieties in Andalusia (south of Spain): Utrerana and Sureña breeds. For this, different quantitative and qualitative measurements were collected in 473 females and 135 roosters belonging to these breeds. Even though both genotypes belong to a common original trunk, discriminant canonical analysis (DCA) revealed clear differences between both breeds and within the varieties that they comprise. In particular, certain variables such as ocular ratio and phaneroptic characteristics, which may be intrinsically related to the capacity of the breeds to adapt to the environmental conditions in which they thrive, could allow breeders to develop breeding programs focused on the enhancement productive potential of individuals. Abstract This study aimed to develop a tool to perform the morphological characterization of Sureña and Utrerana breeds, two endangered autochthonous breeds ascribed to the Mediterranean trunk of Spanish autochthonous hens and their varieties (n = 608; 473 females and 135 males). Kruskal–Wallis H test reported sex dimorphism pieces of evidence (p < 0.05 at least). Multicollinearity analysis reported (variance inflation factor (VIF) >5 variables were discarded) white nails, ocular ratio, and back length (Wilks’ lambda values of 0.191, 0.357, and 0.429, respectively) to have the highest discriminant power in female morphological characterization. For males, ocular ratio and black/corneous and white beak colors (Wilks’ lambda values of 0.180, 0.210, and 0.349, respectively) displayed the greatest discriminant potential. The first two functions explained around 90% intergroup variability. A stepwise discriminant canonical analysis (DCA) was used to determine genotype clustering patterns. Interbreed and varieties proximity was evaluated through Mahalanobis distances. Despite the adaptability capacity to alternative production systems ascribed to both avian breeds, Sureña and Utrerana morphologically differ. Breed dimorphism may evidence differential adaptability mechanisms linked to their aptitude (dual purpose/egg production). The present tool may serve as a model for the first stages of breed protection to be applicable in other endangered avian breeds worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio González Ariza
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (A.G.A.); (A.A.A.); (J.V.D.B.)
| | - Ander Arando Arbulu
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (A.G.A.); (A.A.A.); (J.V.D.B.)
- Animal Breeding Consulting S.L., 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Javier Navas González
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (A.G.A.); (A.A.A.); (J.V.D.B.)
- Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Alameda del Obispo, 14004 Córdoba, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-651-679-262
| | - Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (A.G.A.); (A.A.A.); (J.V.D.B.)
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Sustainable intensification of indigenous village chicken production system: matching the genotype with the environment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:337. [PMID: 34021847 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02773-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The multi-purpose indigenous village chickens (IVCs) are kept in low- and middle-income countries. IVCs are hardy and are resilient to disease, hostile environment, global warming, and climate change. The IVCs are a little impacted by anthropogenic effects; consequently, they possess high genetic and phenotypic diversity. Likewise, the genetic structure of IVCs is principally shaped by natural selection, which enables them to accumulate high genetic polymorphism and to adaptively radiate. Regardless of this, the genetic wealth of IVCs has been eroded by indiscriminate crossbreeding. Emerging infectious and non-infectious diseases, flawed assumptions, predation, inadequate nutrition, poorly maintained night enclosures, and underdeveloped market infrastructure, and the overlooked multiple-use values and unique attributes of IVCs have threatened their mere survival. The IVCs lay a few eggs and produce less meat, which cannot meet the growing (existing) demand. However, the demand for IVC products is growing attributable to the flavor and texture of eggs and meat, and they are well-aligned with the subsistence farming system. The several use values and ecosystem services provided by IVCs have been increasingly realized. Enhanced production can be attained through sustainable use of local (genetic) resources and by scaling up and out best practices. Genetic improvement needs to mainly rely upon IVC genetic resources and should have to match the genotype with the environment. Moreover, it has to maintain the genetic polymorphism that has been accumulated for time immemorial to respond to unanticipated changes in the production system and consumers' demand. In this review, enhanced management, selection strategies, and genetic crosses including the crossing of commercial chickens with red junglefowl have been proposed to sustainably intensify the IVC production system.
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Desta TT. The genetic basis and robustness of naked neck mutation in chicken. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:95. [PMID: 33415443 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Chicken is a homeothermic animal; consequently, regardless of fluctuation in weather conditions, it maintains constant body temperature. However, in hot regions and seasons, chickens suffer from heat stress. To dissipate excess heat, besides modifying the environment, which is costly, however, chickens with efficient heat dissipation capacity might be utilized. Naked neck chickens have a higher capacity for heat loss attributable to reduced feather mass. The naked neck mutation (Na) was originated from a large insertion (~ 180 bp) integrated ~ 260-kb downstream of a protein-coding gene-GDF7 (Growth Differentiation Factor 7). Na possesses a cis-regulatory function and upregulates the expression of GDF7-a gene that exhibits a tissue-specific effect by the sensitizing action of retinoic acid. Na suppresses the development of feathers in the neck and vent. Na shows autosomal incomplete dominance and regulates several developmental processes. Na usually segregates at low frequency, which might be attributed to limited socio-cultural preferences. Specifically, in hot and humid regions, although to a varying extent, Na enhances performance, immunocompetence, and resilience to disease both in the homozygous and heterozygous state. Occasionally, naked neck chickens (especially the homozygous ones) lose comparative advantage in cool environments. Homozygous Na also results in high embryo death and reduced hatchability and diminishes floating and flying capacity. Nevertheless, selective breeding of naked neck chickens for fertility traits enhances the performance and welfare of chickens in hot and humid regions. The comparative advantage of Na needs to be studied not only from a temperature perspective and under controlled experiment but also from humidity, body weight, feed intake (absolute and relative to body weight), age, agroecology insights, and under field condition. Due to the incomplete dominant expression pattern of Na, studies need to separately report their findings for homozygous and heterozygous naked neck chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takele Taye Desta
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Kotebe Metropolitan University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Desta TT. Indigenous village chicken production: a tool for poverty alleviation, the empowerment of women, and rural development. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 53:1. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wu MY, Low GW, Forcina G, van Grouw H, Lee BPYH, Oh RRY, Rheindt FE. Historic and modern genomes unveil a domestic introgression gradient in a wild red junglefowl population. Evol Appl 2020; 13:2300-2315. [PMID: 33005225 PMCID: PMC7513718 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The red junglefowl Gallus gallus is the ancestor of the domestic chicken and arguably the most important bird species on Earth. Continual gene flow between domestic and wild populations has compromised its gene pool, especially since the last century when human encroachment and habitat loss would have led to increased contact opportunities. We present the first combined genomic and morphological admixture assessment of a native population of red junglefowl, sampled from recolonized parts of its former range in Singapore, partly using whole genomes resequenced from dozens of individuals. Crucially, this population was genomically anchored to museum samples from adjacent Peninsular Malaysia collected ~110-150 years ago to infer the magnitude of modern domestic introgression across individuals. We detected a strong feral-wild genomic continuum with varying levels of domestic introgression in different subpopulations across Singapore. Using a trait scoring scheme, we determined morphological thresholds that can be used by conservation managers to successfully identify individuals with low levels of domestic introgression, and selected traits that were particularly useful for predicting domesticity in genomic profiles. Our study underscores the utility of combined genomic and morphological approaches in population management and suggests a way forward to safeguard the allelic integrity of wild red junglefowl in perpetuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yue Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Gabriel Weijie Low
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Giovanni Forcina
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- CIBIO/InBIO Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
| | - Hein van Grouw
- Bird Group Department of Life Sciences Natural History Museum Herts UK
| | - Benjamin P Y-H Lee
- Wildlife Management Research Wildlife Management Division National Parks Board Singapore Singapore
| | - Rachel Rui Ying Oh
- Centre of Urban Greenery and Ecology National Parks Board Singapore Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Frank E Rheindt
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
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Hewlett SE, Nordquist RE. Effects of Maternal Care During Rearing in White Leghorn and Brown Nick Layer Hens on Cognition, Sociality and Fear. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9070454. [PMID: 31323729 PMCID: PMC6680883 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Both genetic background and maternal care can have a strong influence on cognitive and emotional development. To investigate these effects and their possible interaction, White Leghorn (LH) and Brown Nick (BN) chicks, two hybrid lines of layer hen commonly used commercially, were housed either with or without a mother hen in their first five weeks of life. From three weeks of age, the chicks were tested in a series of experiments to deduce the effects of breed and maternal care on their fear response, foraging and social motivation, and cognitive abilities. The LH were found to explore more and showed more attempts to reinstate social contact than BN. The BN were less active in all tests and less motivated than LH by social contact or by foraging opportunity. No hybrid differences were found in cognitive performance in the holeboard task. In general, the presence of a mother hen had unexpectedly little effect on behavior in both LH and BN chicks. It is hypothesized that hens from commercially used genetic backgrounds may have been inadvertently selected to be less responsive to maternal care than ancestral or non-commercial breeds. The consistent and strong behavioral differences between genetic strains highlights the importance of breed-specific welfare management processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie E Hewlett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Behavior and Welfare in Farm Animals Research Group, Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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