Genetic characteristics and selection signatures between Southern Chinese local and commercial chickens

Lin Qi; Liangchao Xiao; Rong Fu; Qinghua Nie; Xiquan Zhang; Wen Luo

Poultry Science (Jul 2024)

Genetic characteristics and selection signatures between Southern Chinese local and commercial chickens

Lin Qi,
Liangchao Xiao,
Rong Fu,
Qinghua Nie,
Xiquan Zhang,
Wen Luo

Affiliations

Lin Qi: State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, & Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Guangzhou 510642, China
Liangchao Xiao: State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, & Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Guangzhou 510642, China
Rong Fu: State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, & Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Guangzhou 510642, China
Qinghua Nie: State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, & Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Guangzhou 510642, China
Xiquan Zhang: State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, & Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Guangzhou 510642, China
Wen Luo: State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, & Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, South China Agricultural University, 510642, China; Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Guangzhou 510642, China; Corresponding author:

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 103, no. 7
p. 103863

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: The introduction of exotic breeds and the cultivation of new lines by breeding companies have posed challenges to native chickens in South China, including loss of breed characteristics, decreased genetic diversity, and declining purity. Understanding the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of native chickens in South China is crucial for further advancements in breeding efforts. In this study, we analyzed the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of 321 individuals from 10 different breeds in South China. By comparing commercial chickens with native ones, we identified selection signatures occurring between local chickens and commercial breeds. The analysis of population genetic structure revealed that the native chicken populations in South China exhibited a considerable level of genetic diversity. Moreover, the commercial lines of Xiaobai chicken and Huangma chicken displayed even higher levels of genetic diversity, which distinguished them from other native varieties at the clustering level. However, certain individuals within these commercial varieties showed a discernible genetic relationship with the native populations. Notably, both commercial varieties also retained a significant degree of genetic similarity to their respective native counterparts. In order to investigate the genomic changes occurring during the commercialization of native chickens, we employed 4 methods (Fst, ROD, XPCLR, and XPEHH) to identify potential candidate regions displaying selective signatures in Southern Chinese native chicken population. A total of 168 (identified by Fst and ROD) and 86 (identified by XPCLR and XPEHH) overlapping genes were discovered. Functional annotation analysis revealed that these genes may be associated with reproduction and growth (SAMSN1, HYLS1, ROBO3, FGF14, PRSS23), musculoskeletal development (DNER, MYBPC1, DGKB, ORC1, KLF10), disease resistance and environmental adaptability (PUS3, CRB2, CALD1, USP15, SGCD, LTBP1), as well as egg production (ADGRB3, ACSF3). Overall, native chickens in South China harbor numerous selective sweep regions compared to commercial chickens, enriching valuable genomic resources for future genetic research and breeding conservation.

Published in Poultry Science

ISSN: 0032-5791 (Print); 1525-3171 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Agriculture: Animal culture
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/poultry-science

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