A preliminary screening of genetic lineage of Nigerian local chickens based on blood protein polymorphisms

Abstract

Blood samples for blood protein analysis were collected from three strains of the Nigerian local chicken (normal feathered, frizzle feathered and naked neck) and one exotic strain (Anak Titan). Each of these populations represents a genotype. Blood samples from 50 birds per genotype were used to assess genetic diversity of the Nigerian local chickens. A total of 18 bands were observed from the four strains during resolution of the proteins using sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Dendrogram developed from the different bands observed revealed that the strains were clearly separated from one another and mean genetic similarity among the four strains was 55 percent with naked neck strain being the most diverged.