Mitochondrial diversity of Yoruba and Fulani chickens: A biodiversity reservoir in Nigeria

Abstract

Poultry are the most widely distributed type of livestock in Nigeria. Indigenous chickens are extremely common throughout the country. Indeed, approximately 83 million chickens are raised in extensive systems and 60 million in semi-intensive systems. To provide the first comprehensive overview of the maternal lineages in Southwest Nigeria, we analyzed 96 mitochondrial DNA control region sequences from 2 indigenous chicken ecotypes: Fulani and Yoruba. All samples belonged to the most frequent haplogroup (E) in Africa and Europe and showed noticeably low haplotype diversity. Although only 11 different haplotypes were detected, with 2 of them never found before in Nigeria, the presence of unique sequences among our indigenous samples testified to their status as an important genetic resource to be preserved. Furthermore, a total of 7,868 published sequences were included in the comparative analysis, which revealed an east-west geographic pattern of haplogroup distribution and led to the conclusion that the gene flow from Southeastern Asia mainly involved one mitochondrial clade. Moreover, owing to the extensive genetic intermixing among Nigerian chickens, conservation efforts are required to safeguard the extant mitochondrial variability in these indigenous ecotypes and establish future improvement and selection programs.

Genetic diversity, population structure and ancestral origin of KwaZulu-Natal native chicken ecotypes using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers

“…Four of the five haplogroups observed in the current study (A, B, D and E), were previously reported by Mtileni et al (2011b). Although this work reveals for the first time haplogroup C in South African populations, it was previously described in other African countries such as Kenya, Madagascar (Herrera et al 2017), Nigeria (Lasagna et al 2020) and Ethiopia (Al-Jumaili et al 2020). It is known that haplogroup E is one of the haplogroups showing ubiquity on chicken mtDNA profile globally.…”

“…The use of molecular markers can provide quantified criteria for assessing genetic diversity, either within or between populations (FAO 2009). Microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are markers used to investigate genetic makeup for many domestic animals (Groeneveld et al 2010;Di Lorenzo et al 2015;Lasagna et al 2020). These markers complement each other to provide a more relevant reflection of population genetic makeup and its relationship with other populations (Ceccobelli et al 2015).…”

Comparison of the First Order and Modified First-Order Model for Biogas Production from Chicken Manure in Maiduguri, Borno State of Nigeria

“…In the North Eastern part of Nigeria, specifically Yobe State, it was reported that, there are 3.4 million chickens reared domestically (Annuar et al, 2008). Currently, the populations are sure to surpassed the previously reported figures by Annuar et al (2008), Francis et al (2016 and Lasagna et al (2017). Maiduguri, an area in the same region, employed mostly, the deep litter rearing system; although facing challenges including, bad housing, poor management practices, inadequate vaccination, and diseases resulting in high mortality rate.…”

“…One year after (in 2017), a higher population of 180 million chickens were estimated to exist in Nigeria, of which only 21% are intensively reared. Specifically, 83 million chickens are raised in extensive systems and 60 million in semi-intensive systems, most of which are indigenous chickens, contributing substantially to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) (Lasagna et al, 2017). In the North Eastern part of Nigeria, specifically Yobe State, it was reported that, there are 3.4 million chickens reared domestically (Annuar et al, 2008).…”

An exploratory study on differences in maternal care between two ecotypes of Nigerian indigenous chicken hens

“…In developing and underdeveloped countries, indigenous chickens are more abundant, with Nigeria having the most among the Sub-Saharan countries ( 1 ). Nigerian indigenous chickens (NICs) are found in several geopolitical zones around the country and are classified according to genetic lines of feathering (normal feather, naked neck, and frizzle feather), color variants (black, white, brown, and mottled), and ecotypes [Yoruba (YRE) and Fulani (FLE)] ( 2 , 3 ). Both ecotypes are good scavengers and have excellent immunity against endemic diseases ( 4 ).…”