Whole genome screening procures a holistic hold of the Russian chicken gene pool heritage and demographic history

Simple Summary: A collection of native farm animal breeds can be considered as a gene pool and a national heritage. Long-term artificial selection in domesticated animals has certain effects on their genomes, which can be investigated using genome-wide screens for DNA sequence variation, that is, so-called single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) screens. Here, we looked at the genomes of 19 Russian chicken gene pool breeds, both native and imported, evaluating the contrasting egg, meat and dual-purpose types. Based on genetic diversity statistics, we identified differences between the breeds using many DNA markers (SNPs) that may represent genomic regions that are being selected for, either within a specific breed or shared between breeds. Our research will be helpful for further understanding the genomic diversity and demographic history of Russian domestic chickens. This would be essential for their successful breeding. Abstract: A study for genomic variation that may reflect putative selective signaling and be associated with economically important traits is instrumental for obtaining information about demographic and selection history in domestic animal species and populations. A rich variety of the Russian chicken gene pool breeds warrants a further detailed study. Specifically, their genomic features can derive implications from their genome architecture and selective footprints for their subsequent breeding and practical efficient exploitation. In the present work, whole genome genotyping of 19 chicken breeds (20 populations with up to 71 samples each) was performed using the Chicken 50 K BeadChip DNA chip. The studied breed sample included six native Russian breeds of chickens developed in the 17th–19th centuries, as well as eight Russian chicken breeds, including the Russian White (RW), created in the 20th century on the basis of improving local chickens using breeds of foreign selection. Five specialized foreign breeds of chickens, including the White Leghorn