Analysis of RAPD-PCR profiles and immunocompetence for a diallel cross of layer chicken

Six set of crossbred chickens (IWH × IWK, IWK × IWH, IWH × IWI, IWI × IWH, IWI × IWK and IWK × IWI) of a diallel cross of 3 White Leghorn lines (IWH, IWI and IWK) were analyzed using RAPD-PCR and immunocompetence. A total of 12 (out of 52) random primers (decamers) amplified the genomic DNA which have shown polymorphism in all the six genetic groups. The size of the amplified fragments varied from 192 to 4066 bp. The maximum genetic identity was between IWK × IWI and IWH × IWI (0.9161). The maximum genetic distance was between IWK × IWH and IWI × IWK (0.1701). The cluster analysis shows that genetic groups, IWI × IWH and IWK × IWH form one cluster, while, IWH × IWI and IWK × IWI form another cluster. The remaining two genetic groups belonged to two separate clusters. The humoral response to SRBC (at 6 wks of age) and cell mediated response to PHAP (at 32 wks of age) were also evaluated. The SRBC titre (log2 value) in IWH × IWK (7.38), IWI × IWK (7.81) and IWH × IWI (7.21) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than IWK × IWH (5.45) and IWI × IWH (5.88). The total mortality percentage in IWI × IWH and IWK × IWH groups were on the higher side than in IWK × IWI, IWH × IWK and IWI × IWK. However, there was no significant difference of cell mediated response to PHAP among diallel crossbreds.