Genetic Diversity and Gene Flow in Threechicken Strains

The study was conducted to assess the haplotype number and gene flow in three strains of chickens using the Pituitary specific transcription factor 1 (PIT 1) gene, a transcription factor for growth hormone. A total of 15 chickens – 5 normal feathered (NF), 5 frizzle feathered (FF) strains of Nigerian chickens and 5 broiler strains (BS) were used for this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of the chickens and was used to amplify the PIT 1 gene. It was sequenced, aligned, and then analyzed by Bioinformatic analysis. Results showed that BS had the highest haplotype number and type (Hap 4, 5 and 6). This was closely followed by the FF (Hap 2 and 3) and then NF (Hap 1). The gene flow and differentiation indices showed that the strains were distinct from each other with the NF exhibiting relatedness to its ancestral parents. The Gst value was high between NF and FF strains (0.333) and very low between BS and FF (0.008). The Nm value was high between NF and FF strains (0.836) but very low between BS and FF (0.062). The Hs value was high for NF and BS, BS and FF (1) but low for NF and FF (0). Results further indicated that NF and BS had low genetic closeness whereas NF and FF are closely related. PIT 1 gene was seen to have the potential to analyze genetic flow between any population. Consequently, it can be used for molecular characterization, conservation and improvement of the genetic potential of the local chicken.