Search

Knowledge of the genetic characteristics, origin, and local adaptation of chickens is essential to identify the traits required for chicken breeding programs. Chee Fah and Fah Luang are black-boned chicken breeds reared in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Chickens are an important part of the local economy and socio-culture; however, the genetic diversity, characteristics, and origins of these two breeds have been poorly studied. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity, gene pool, and origin of the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens using mitochondrial DNA D-loop (mtDNA D-loop) sequencing and microsatellite genotyping, as well as habitat suitability analysis using maximum entropy modeling. The MtDNA D-loop sequencing and microsatellite genotype analyses indicated that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens shared haplogroups A, B, and CD with Chinese black-boned chickens. Gene pool analysis revealed that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens have distinct genetic patterns compared to Thai domestic chickens and red junglefowl. Some gene pools of red junglefowl and other Thai domestic chickens were observed within the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chicken gene pool structures, suggesting genetic exchange. The data indicate that the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens originated from Chinese indigenous black-boned chicken breeds and experienced crossbreeding/hybridization and introgression with red junglefowl and other domestic breeds during domestication. Interestingly, the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from Chiang Rai shared the same allelic gene pool, which was not shared with the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from Mae Hong Son, suggesting at least two gene pool origins in the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chicken populations. Alternatively, different gene pools in the Chee Fah and Fah Luang chickens from different localities might be caused by differences in environmental factors, especially elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing successful conservation programs for genetically depleted species is challenging. Survival and adaptive potential are related to genetic and habitat factors; therefore, conservation programs are designed to minimize risks associated with inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity. The greater mouse-deer (Tragulus napu) is a true forest species that contributes to seed distribution dynamics in forests. However, with continuous demographic decline over the last century in the wild, only captive populations of the greater mouse-deer remain on the Thai mainland. A restoration program initiated 20 years ago has increased their population to more than 100 individuals but maintaining high genetic diversity in a small captive population is crucial for successful recovery. Microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial D-loop and SRY gene sequence analyses were performed to examine the genetic diversity and population structure in 123 greater mouse-deer (64 females and 59 males). Highly reduced effective captive population size with trends of inbreeding were observed. No historical bottleneck was observed. These conditions have reduced their reproductive fitness and ability to adapt to environmental change, increasing the risk of population decline and eventual extinction. Demographic analyses suggested a recent captive population expansion due to effective animal welfare and reproduction. The results also suggested that population size at equilibrium is the main factor of allelic diversity (number of alleles). Large habitat carrying capacity, representing each fixed captive population size can support the genetic diversity of greater mouse-deer. We also identified suitable habitat areas for reintroduction and long-term in situ conservation of greater mouse-deer using maximum entropy modeling. Based on the environmental variables, species distribution modeling for greater mouse-deer indicated lowland tropical forest regions in the Khlong Saeng-Khao Sok forest complexes as most suitable and requiring urgent habitat improvement. These findings highlight the relevance of careful genetic monitoring and habitat suitability for the long-term conservation of greater mouse-deer and enhance the success of future conservation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestication of wild animals represents a major milestone for human civilization. Chicken is the largest domesticated livestock species and used for both eggs and meat. Chicken originate from the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). Its adaptability to diverse environments and ease of selective breeding provides a unique genetic resource to address the challenges of food security in a world impacted by climatic change and human population growth. Habitat loss has caused population declines of red junglefowl in Thailand. However, genetic diversity is likely to remain in captive stocks. We determine the genetic diversity using microsatellite genotyping and the mitochondrial D-loop sequencing of wild red junglefowl. We identified potential distribution areas in Thailand using maximum entropy models. Protected areas in the central and upper southern regions of Thailand are highly suitable habitats. The Bayesian clustering analysis of the microsatellite markers revealed high genetic diversity in red junglefowl populations in Thailand. Our model predicted that forest ranges are a highly suitable habitat that has enabled the persistence of a large gene pool with a nationwide natural distribution. Understanding the red junglefowl allows us to implement improved resource management, species reintroduction, and sustainable development to support food security objectives for local people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]