Genetics of hyperpigmentation associated with the Fibromelanosis gene (Fm) and analysis of growth and meat quality traits in crosses of native Indian Kadaknath chickens and non-indigenous breeds

Abstract

1. The study investigated the extent of hyperpigmentation (a trait fixed in native Indian Kadaknath chickens), bodyweight, carcase quality and leanness at 12 weeks of age in F(1) and back-crosses of Kadaknath with White Leghorn, White Plymouth Rock and Aseel Peela chickens. 2. The objective of the study was to determine if hyperpigmentation was affected by the major gene Fibromelanosis (Fm) and to evaluate the effects of different proportions of Kadaknath genes on growth and carcase quality. 3. The pigmentation pattern of skin indicated that Fm behaved as the primary locus affecting dermal-hyperpigmentation and that the sex-linked Id locus produced an epistatic effect. 4. The results suggested that variable allelic forms of Id were acting in different crosses, which resulted in variation in melanosis of the host. However, no conclusive pattern for shank pigmentation could be explained through genotyping of the Id and Fm loci. 5. Analysis of quantitative traits indicated the positive impact of a Kadaknath genomic proportion of 50% or more on meat texture and carcase leanness. Improvement in leanness occurred in White Rock crosses but not in White Leghorn and Aseel Peela crosses. 6. Thigh-meat texture was influenced more by enhanced Kadaknath genomic proportions than the breast-meat. It was concluded that introgression of Kadaknath genomic proportion beyond 50% in a cross with meat-type chickens, irrespective of the impact Fm, brought improvement in meat quality whereas no such advantage was obtained for growth traits. 7. The beneficial impact of the Kadaknath genome on meat quality calls for further studies to identify causative genes for their selective use to improve meat quality in Kadaknath crossbred chickens.

Microbial diversity and community composition of caecal microbiota in commercial and indigenous Indian chickens determined using 16s rDNA amplicon sequencing

“…For example, 17 breeds of Indian origin are currently registered with the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) ( http://www.nbagr.res.in/regchi.html ). Among these breeds examples such as Aseel and Kadaknath have been associated with improved egg, meat and welfare traits such as reduced feather pecking [ 20 , 21 ], resistance to infectious disease [ 22 , 23 ] and immune parameters distinct from those of modern commercial chickens [ 24 , 25 ]. Variation in immunity-related pathways can influence microbiome structure in humans [ 26 ] and is also likely to affect chicken microbiomes [ 27 ].…”

Eimeria species occurrence varies between geographic regions and poultry production systems and may influence parasite genetic diversity

“…Chicken breeds reared in India include global commercial broiler and layer types comparable to those reared in Europe and North America (reared for meat and egg production respectively), supplemented by a growing population of indigenous birds and hybrids derived from crossbreeding commercial and indigenous lines (Khan, 2008). Indian breeds such as Aseel and Kadaknath are becoming increasingly popular as pure and out-crossed lines following perceived benefits including production traits and resistance to disease (Ramasamy et al, 2010, Arora et al, 2011, Haunshi et al, 2011). Poultry production systems in India are highly varied, including large-scale commercial farms, traditional small-scale farms and backyard stock keepers.…”

Whole genome and transcriptome maps of the entirely black native Korean chicken breed Yeonsan Ogye

“…265), is an indigenous Korean chicken breed that is notable for its entirely black plumage, skin, beak, comb, eyes, shank, claws, and internal organs [ 1 ]. In terms of its plumage and body color, as well as its number of toes, this unique chicken breed resembles the indigenous Indonesian chicken breed Ayam cemani [ 2 – 4 ]. YO also has some morphological features that are similar to those of the Silkie fowl, with the exception of the Silkie ’s veiled black walnut comb and hair-like, fluffy plumage that is white or variably colored [ 5 , 6 ].…”