Work

Whole-genome resequencing data reveal the genetic diversity of local chickens in southern Zhejiang and surrounding areas in China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: China’s local chicken breeds, especially those inÂ the Zhejiang Province, are rich inÂ genetic diversity owing toÂ environmental heterogeneity and complex ecosystems. Distinctive local breeds have emerged through long-term natural selection and domestication. WeÂ investigated the genetic diversity and population structure ofÂ local chickens inÂ southern Zhejiang and surrounding areas using whole-genome resequencing ofÂ 129 chickens from seven populations. AÂ total ofÂ 1.8Â terabytes ofÂ raw data was obtained, and 4Â 802 728 single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The Xianju chicken population exhibited the highest genetic diversity, while Yandang Partridge chickens were genetically distant from other chicken breeds. This study provides valuable information for conserving poultry genetic diversity and informs about breeding programmes of local Chinese chicken breeds.

Source: Czech Journal of Animal Science

DOI: 10.17221/186/2024-cjas