In the heart of Turkey, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of chicken genetics and offering new insights into the future of poultry farming. Led by Eymen Demir from the Department of Animal Science at Akdeniz University in Antalya, this research delves into the genetic diversity and population structure of two autochthonous Turkish chicken breeds, Denizli (DNZ) and Gerze (GRZ), and compares them to commercial hybrid lines. The findings, published in the journal Poultry Science, could have significant implications for the poultry industry and beyond.
Demir and his team employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, specifically the double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) technique, to conduct a comprehensive genomic assessment. This method allows for rapid, high-resolution genotyping, providing unprecedented accuracy and cost efficiency. “The ddRADseq technique has been a game-changer,” Demir explains. “It enables us to generate high-throughput genotypic data, making it a cost-effective framework for studying genetic diversity and population structure in indigenous chicken breeds.”
The study revealed that the native Turkish chicken breeds, DNZ and GRZ, exhibit higher genetic diversity compared to commercial hybrid lines. The minor allele frequency (MAF) was notably higher in DNZ and GRZ, exceeding 0.3, while it was lower in the commercial hybrids. This higher genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term sustainability and resilience of these breeds. “Genetic diversity is the lifeblood of any population,” Demir notes. “It ensures that breeds can adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.”
One of the most striking findings was the observed and expected heterozygosity in the DNZ breed, which was the highest among all populations studied. In contrast, the broiler hybrid line showed the lowest heterozygosity, suggesting inbreeding depression. This highlights the importance of maintaining genetic diversity to avoid the detrimental effects of inbreeding, such as reduced productivity and increased susceptibility to diseases.
The population structure analyses, including principal component analyses (PCA), genetic distance-based neighbor-joining (NJ) tree, ADMIXTURE, and TreeMix algorithm, revealed that DNZ and GRZ are genetically distinct from each other and from the commercial hybrid lines. This genetic divergence underscores the unique genetic heritage of these native breeds and the need for conservation efforts to preserve this diversity.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the poultry industry, understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of indigenous breeds can inform breeding programs aimed at improving productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability. For conservationists, the study provides a roadmap for developing comprehensive conservation strategies to maintain genetic variability at optimal levels without inbreeding.
Moreover, the efficacy of ddRADseq in generating high-throughput genotypic data offers a cost-effective solution for genomic diversity and population structure studies in other livestock species. This could revolutionize the way we approach genetic research in agriculture, leading to more sustainable and resilient farming practices.
As we look to the future, the insights gained from this study could shape the development of new breeding technologies and conservation strategies. By leveraging the power of NGS and ddRADseq, researchers and farmers alike can work towards a more genetically diverse and resilient poultry industry. The findings published in Poultry Science, also known as Poultry Science Journal, mark a significant step forward in our understanding of chicken genetics and the potential for innovation in the field.