Genetic structure among the local chicken ecotypes of Tanzania based on microsatellite DNA typing

A study was conducted to evaluate the genetic structure of local chicken ecotypes of Tanzania using 20 polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers. A standard PCR was followed by manual genotyping (6% native polyacrylamide gel visualized by silver staining). Phylogenetic analysis of 13 individuals from each of the nine ecotypes named Ching'wekwe, Kuchi, Mbeya, Morogoro-medium, N'zenzegere, Pemba, Singamagazi, Unguja and a White Leghorn breed was performed. The ten populations assorted into nine clusters with chickens from the same ecotype often clustering together. It is concluded that there is high genetic relatedness within indigenous chicken ecotype than between ecotypes. This offers a basic step towards rational decision-making on the modalities of selective breeding without compromising the existence of each unique genetic resource.Key words: Local-chicken, ecotypes, microsatellites, DNA, PCR.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (8), pp. 768-77