Genetic relationship of some poultry genotypes based on microsatellite assay

The genetic relationship among four poultry populations was assessed using fifteen microsatellite loci which were chosen randomly from the list recommended by the FAO secondary guidelines for development of national farm animal genetic resource management plans, measurement of domestic animal diversity. The population structure, genetic distances and evolutionary relationships were estimated and tested using suitable statistical methods. All the 15 microsatellite loci were polymorphic. The genetic distance was least between Kadaknath and Aseel (0.023) and highest between IWH and Aseel (0.160). Kadaknath and Aseel were closer with maximum genetic identity index (0.977) while IWH and Aseel were more wide apart with least identity index (0.852). Phylogenetic analysis grouped IWH and IWK strains in to one cluster and Kadaknath and Aseel breeds in to another cluster. All the loci except MCW 048 deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium frequency in at least one of the populations, while all the loci except MCW 007 and MCW 048 departed from the equilibrium frequency on overall basis. High genetic diversity exists in Aseel birds, which can be tapped to improve the birds suitable for backyard poultry.