Although the Sri Lankan indigenous chicken is providing a valuable protein source and genetic resource to the country, a systemic evaluation and proper characterization of indigenous chicken population remains at a zero level. Here we use experimental molecular tool to identify the variation of indigenous chicken at immune related gene Toll like receptor 7 (TLR7). A total of 24 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) and 35 haplotypes were identified within Sri Lankan Indigenous chicken with relative frequencies of 0.0208 to 0.0625. The genetic structure of indigenous chicken populations showed a relatively low genetic distance (overall average 0.698). Majority (about 80%) of the population were identified in one large cluster in phylogenetic analysis, confirming the fact that being in the family of Toll Like Receptors, TLR7 locus is a conserved region among the indigenous chicken population. However, the effect of SNPs in the protein coding region, gene expression and relation to disease resistance found in this study is being investigated.
A total of 183 samples of consumable items of food and drink exposed for sale in the Kandy Municipal area were subjected to bacteriological examination with regard t o its hygienic quality. Only 19 per cent of the samples of ice cream examined were within the limits of the bacteriological standards laid down by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Standards. Other desserts (Fruit salad, Woodapple cream) show lower mean bacterial densities (Escherichia coli I, faecal streptococci and total viable count) than ice cream. The levels of faecal contamination of the fruit drinks did not vary with the place of preparation. This was due to the low pH. The faecal streptococci appears t o be better indicator of faecal contamination than E. coli fype 1 unticr freezing and at low pH.
Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) is considered as the direct ancestor of domesticated chickens. There is a wide speculation on the ongoing gene flow between Red Junglefowls in the wild and some neigbouring native chicken populations in South and Southeast Asia. This may challenge the reliability of specific morphological markers to differentiate them and may have implications on the utility value of Red Junglefowls in the genetic improvement for disease resistance and adaptive traits of domestic chickens. The intensive monitoring and measurements of morphological and morphometric characteristics of 100 F 1 hybrid birds each from two mating groups involving Red Junglefowl cocks crossing with Fayoumi or H'mong hens were performed from day-old chicks to 12-week-old pullets in this study. The morphological data showed that the typical down feather pattern in striped phenotype as for camouflage, that is critical to the survival of Red Junglefowls in the wild, was not observed in any hybrid chick, suggesting that this specific phenotype is likely controlled by a recessive allele and thus a morphological marker for the identification of true Red Junglefowls in their early development stages or life. The high survival rate and improved growth performance of the two F 1 hybrid groups demonstrated the potential value of Red Junglefowls in reconstituting the genetic diversity and possibly improving the adaptability of domestic chickens. Therefore the unique wild relative resources that are able to survive in the increasingly fragmented jungles in South and Southeast Asia warrant further exploration and great attention for in situ conservation and sustainable exploitation.
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