ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC DISTANCE AND SIMILARITIES AMONG INDIGENOUS CHICKEN POPULATIONS IN KANO-STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the genetic diversity of three populations of indigenous chicken in Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 249 matured free-ranging chickens between the ages of 6-24 months were sampled. Three genetic groups of indigenous chicken were identified in the study location which includes normal feathered (N), frizzle feathered (Ff) and naked neck (Na) and 2ml. of blood samples obtained from & birds per genotype were used for the study. Genomic DNA was extracted individually from the sampled blood using Quick DNA Kits (©Zymo-Spin Research Kit). Five microsatellite markers were used for genotyping. Genetics Analysis in Excel Software (GenAlEX sofivare version 6.5) was used for band analysis. The result showed relatively high genetic diversity which is essential for the populations. The chicken populations had degrees of genetic similarity of (0.840-0.925) and genetic distance of (0.078-0.084). High genetic distance of (0.084) was observed between N and Ff. It was concluded that the populations were not isolated and the microsatellite markers used were highly informative and can be used in future studies involving chicken populations.