PLoS ONE (Jan 2023)

Genetic admixture and diversity in Thai domestic chickens revealed through analysis of Lao Pa Koi fighting cocks.

  • Pish Wattanadilokcahtkun,
  • Piangjai Chalermwong,
  • Worapong Singchat,
  • Wongsathit Wongloet,
  • Aingorn Chaiyes,
  • Nivit Tanglertpaibul,
  • Trifan Budi,
  • Thitipong Panthum,
  • Nattakan Ariyaraphong,
  • Syed Farhan Ahmad,
  • Artem Lisachov,
  • Narongrit Muangmai,
  • Mitsuo Nunome,
  • Kyudong Han,
  • Yoichi Matsuda,
  • Prateep Duengkae,
  • Kornsorn Srikulnath

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289983
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 10
p. e0289983

Abstract

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Lao Pa Koi (LPK) chicken is a popular fighting breed in Thailand, prized for (its unique characteristics acquired by selective breeding), and a valuable model for exploring the genetic diversity and admixture of red junglefowls and domestic chickens. In this study, genetic structure and diversity of LPK chicken were assessed using 28 microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequences, and the findings were compared to a gene pool library from "The Siam Chicken Bioresource Project". High genetic variability was observed in LPK chickens using mtDNA D-loop haplotype analysis, and six haplotypes were identified. Microsatellite data revealed 182 alleles, with an average of 6.5 alleles per locus. These results confirmed the occurrence of genetic admixture of red junglefowl and Thai domestic chickens in LPK chicken breed. A maximum entropy modeling approach was used to analyze the spatial suitability and to assess the adaptive evolution of LPK chickens in diverse local environments. The model identified 82.52% of the area studied as unsuitable, and 9.34%, 7.11%, and 2.02% of the area indicated moderate, low, and high suitability, respectively. The highest contribution rate to land suitability for LPK chickens was found at an elevation of 100-250 m, suggesting the importance of elevation for their potential distribution. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the genetic origin of LPK chicken breed and identify resources for future genetic improvement.