MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX GENETIC DIVERSITY OF KENYAN INDIGENOUS CHICKEN POPULATIONS BASED ON MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

Abstract Text: The study investigated the genetic make-up of indigenous chicken (IC) ecotypes based on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by genotyping microsatellite markers LEI0258 and MCW0371. Blood samples were collected from eight regions of Kenya; Kakamega, Siaya, West Pokot, Turkana, Bomet, Narok, Lamu and Taita-Taveta. In total 96 birds per population were sampled whereas 48 birds were genotyped. In total, 56 differently sized alleles were detected over all the populations. Cluster analysis based on LEI0258 and also in combination with MCW0371 indicated a clear IC subdivision into two genetically distinct groups. Two main population clusters were Lamu and others.

Keywords:

Indigenous chicken ecotypes

MHC

Genetic diversity