Whole genome sequencing of three native chicken varieties (Common Deshi, Hilly and Naked Neck) of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi indigenous chicken varieties - Common Deshi, Hilly and Naked Neck are notable for their egg production, meat quality, extraordinary survivability and disease resistance. However, the potential to harness their unique genetic merits are being eroded by various factors, including crossbreeding. In-depth genomic studies have not been carried out on these breeds so far. To this end, blood samples and associated phenotypic metadata have been collected from local, unimproved birds sampled from 8 different locations across the country, and from Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI)-improved chickens of the same mentioned breeds. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of 96 selected samples, representing local and improved populations of each breed, has been carried out. Around 22 M high-quality SNPs have been identified, with 25% of these being novel variants previously undescribed in public databases. This data set will allow for genetic comparison between breeds, and between selected and unimproved birds, providing a resource for genomic selection in Bangladeshi breeding schemes to create more productive and resilient poultry stock.