• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.1221-1225
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• 2005

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of a superfamily of nuclear hormone receptors. Lots of studies in rodents and humans have shown that PPARs were involved in lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation. The main objective of this work was to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in whole coding regions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-$\alpha$) and gamma (PPAR-$\gamma$) genes with approach of single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) in the chicken population of Arber Acres broiler, Hyline layer and three Chinese native breeds (Shiqiza, Beijing You, Bai'r). Two SNPs of C1029T and C297T were found in chicken PPAR-$\alpha$ and PPAR-$\gamma$ genes respectively and each SNP found three genotypes in the experimental populations. The results showed that the distribution frequency of 3 genotypes in Arber Acres broiler, Hyline layer and Chinese native breeds had significant differences on the PPAR-$\alpha$ and PPAR-$\gamma$ gene respectively (p<0.01). Furthermore, in the PPAR-$\alpha$ gene, the results of least square estimation for genotypes and body composition traits showed the BB genotype birds had higher abdominal fat weight (AFW) and percentage of abdominal fat (AFP) than AA genotype birds (p<0.05). From these we conjecture the PPAR-$\alpha$ and PPAR-$\gamma$ genes were suffered intensive selection during the long term commercial breeding and the PPAR-$\alpha$ gene may be a major gene or linked to the major genes that impact chicken fat metabolism and the SNPs could be used in molecular assistant selection (MAS) as a genetic marker for the chicken fatness traits.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1760-1766
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• 2015

This study investigated the proximate composition and $\small{L}$-carnitine and betaine content of meats from 5 lines of Korean indigenous chicken (KIC) for developing highly nutritious meat breeds with health benefits from the bioactive compounds such as $\small{L}$-carnitine and betaine in meat. In addition, the relevance of gender (male and female) and meat type (breast and thigh meat) was examined. A total of 595 F1 progeny (black [B], grey-brown [G], red-brown [R], white [W], and yellow-brown [Y]) from 70 full-sib families were used. The moisture, protein, fat, and ash contents of the meats were significantly affected by line, gender, and meat type (p<0.05). The males in line G and females in line B showed the highest protein and the lowest fat content of the meats. $\small{L}$-carnitine and betaine content showed effects of meat type, line, and gender (p<0.05). The highest $\small{L}$-carnitine content was found in breast and thigh meats from line Y in both genders. The breast meat from line G and the thigh meat from line R had the highest betaine content in males. The female breast and thigh meats showed the highest betaine content in line R. These data could be valuable for establishing selection strategies for developing highly nutritious chicken meat breeds in Korea.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1710-1720
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• 2008

A comprehensive genome profiling study was undertaken based on automated genotyping and analysis of 20 microsatellite markers that involved 155 birds representing eight different populations. The distribution of microsatellite markers in each of these breeds helped us to decipher genetic heterogeneity, population genetic structure and evolutionary relationships of the present day chicken populations in India. All the microsatellite loci utilized for the analysis were polymorphic and reasonably informative. A total of 285 alleles were documented at 20 loci with a mean of 14.25 alleles/locus. A total of 103 alleles were found to be population/strain specific of which, only 30 per cent had a frequency of more than 10. The mean PIC values ranged from 0.39 for the locus ADL158 to 0.71 for loci MCW005 or ADL267 across the genomes and 0.55 in Dahlem Red to 0.71 in Desi (non-descript), among the populations. The overall mean expected and observed heterozygosity estimates for our populations were 0.68 and 0.64, respectively. The overall mean inbreeding coefficients (FIS) varied between -0.05 (Babcock) and 0.16 (Rhode Island Red). The pairwise FST estimates ranged from 0.06 between Aseel and Desi (non-descript) to 0.14 between Dahlem Red and Babcock. The Nei's genetic distance varied from 0.30 (WLH-IWD and WLH-IWF) to 0.80 (Dahlem Red and Babcock. Phylogenetic analysis grouped all the populations into two main clusters, representing i) the pure breeds, Dahlem Red and Rhode Island Red, and ii) the remaining six populations/strains. All the chicken populations studied were in the state of mild to moderate inbreeding except for commercial birds. A planned breeding is advised for purebreds to revive their genetic potential. High genetic diversity exists in Desi (non-descript), local birds, which can be exploited to genetically improve the birds suitable for backyard poultry.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1684-1690
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• 2005

Using mRNA differential display technique, we investigated differential gene expression in hybrids relative to their parents in a diallel cross involving four chicken breeds in order to provide an insight into the molecular basis of heterosis in chicken. The results indicated that there was extensive differential gene expression between chicken F1 hybrids and their parents which was classified into four kinds of patterns as following: (1) bands only detected in hybrid F1; (2) bands only absent in hybrid F1; (3) bands only detected in parent P1 or P2; (4) bands absent in parent P1 or P2. Forty-two differentially expressed cDNAs were cloned and sequenced, and their expression patterns were confirmed by Reverse-Northern dot blot. Sequence analysis and database searches revealed that genes showed differential expression between hybrid and parents were regulatory and functional genes involved in metabolism, mRNA splicing, transcriptional regulation, cell cycles and protein modification. These results indicated that hybridization between two parents can cause changes in expression of a variety of genes. In conclusion, that the altered pattern of gene expression in hybrids may be responsible for heterosis in chickens.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.129-132
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• 1989

Mutton was the meat of choice among the Saudi Arabian citizens in Riyadh Metropolitan area, 1986-1987, followed by chicken, camel meat, fish and beef. The desirable taste of mutton that represented 68% of the total respondents was the main reason for its preference to other meats. The study also showed that Najdi sheep, which is the predominant local breed, enjoy a priority in its meat consumption among the other indigenous and exogenous breeds of sheep in the central region of the Kingdom. A loyalty to the Najdi sheep was witnessed even when the unit price was assumed to be doubled. Purchasing Najdi sheep for non-family consumption had dropped, although still ranked first among the breeds of sheep readily available in the local markets. The results also showed that, 41% of the sample individuals purchased at least one sheep per family per month, and more consumption of mutton took place during the winter months than during the summer.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.899-907
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• 2023

Objective: The better understanding of laying pattern of birds is crucial for developing breed-specific proper breeding scheme and management. Methods: Daily egg production until 50 wk of age of six chicken breeds including one layer (White Leghorn, WL), three dual-purpose (Rhode Island Red, RIR; Columbian Plymouth Rock, CR; and Barred Plymouth Rock, BR), one synthetic dwarf (DY), and one indigenous (Beijing-You Chicken, BYC) were used to characterize their clutch traits and egg production. The age at first egg, egg number, average and maximum clutch length, pause length, and number of clutches and pauses were calculated accordingly. Results: The egg number and average clutch length in WL, RIR, CR, and BR were higher than those in DY and BYC (p<0.01). The numbers of clutches and pauses, and pause length in WL, RIR, CR, and BR were lower than those in DY and BYC (p<0.01). The coefficient variations of clutch length in WL, RIR, CR, and BR (57.66%, 66.49%, 64.22%, and 55.35%, respectively) were higher than DY (41.84%) and BYC (36.29%), while the coefficient variations of egg number in WL, RIR, CR, and BR (9.10%, 9.97%, 10.82%, and 9.92%) were lower than DY (15.84%) and BYC (16.85%). The clutch length was positively correlated with egg number (r = 0.51 to 0.66; p<0.01), but not correlated with age at first egg in all breeds. Conclusion: The six breeds showed significant different clutch and egg production traits. Due to the selection history, the high and median productive layer breeds had higher clutch length than those of the less productive indigenous BYC. The clutch length is a proper selection criterion for further progress in egg production. The age at first egg, which is independent of clutch traits, is especially encouraged to be improved by selection in the BYC breed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.987-992
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• 2010

This study was to detect the expression of heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) gene mRNA in different tissues of Rugao and Luyuan chickens at 56 d and 120 d by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR). The primers were designed according to the sequences of HFABP, A-FABP and GAPDH genes in Gallus gallus, which were used as target genes and internal reference gene, respectively. The levels of H-FABP and A-FABP gene expression were detected by SYBR Green I FQ-RT-PCR. The relative H-FABP and A-FABP gene mRNA expression level was calculated with 2-$^{{\Delta}Ct}$. Melting curve analysis showed a single peak of three genes. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content in breast muscle and leg muscle of the two chicken breeds at 120 d was higher than at 56 d. IMF content in breast muscle and leg muscle at 56 d and 120 d in Luyuan was significantly higher than in Rugao, however, abdominal fat of Luyuan was significantly lower than that of Rugao. The relative H-FABP gene mRNA expression level in cardiac muscle was the highest in both chicken breeds. The relative H-FABP and A-FABP gene expression of different tissues in Luyuan was higher than in Rugao. H-FABP gene mRNA expression had a negative effect on IMF of leg and breast muscles, and was significantly negatively correlated with IMF content. The relative A-FABP gene mRNA level in abdominal fat was higher than in liver. The A-FABP gene mRNA was not expressed in leg, breast and cardiac muscles. A-FABP gene mRNA expression level was significantly positively correlated with abdominal fat and had a significant effect on abdominal fat but not IMF content.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.139-147
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics of retorted Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) made from white semi-broilers (WSB; Ross×Hyline white, 3 weeks old), commercial broilers (CB; Ross, 4 weeks old), Korean native chickens (KNC; Hanhyup-3-ho, 12 weeks old) and old laying hens (OLH; Hyline white, 72 weeks old) and to explore the possibility of using the carcasses of KNCs and OLHs as raw material for product diversification. Methods: Raw and cooked meat quality, fatty acid composition and consumer acceptance were analyzed. Results: Among the chicken breeds, OLH and KNC showed a higher shear force value than WSB and CB due to high insoluble collagen contents. However, the meat of KNC was more tender than that of OLH. The meat of OLH was characterized by the lowest moisture content and highest crude fat content. The meat of KNC was characterized by a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids, α-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid than that of OLH. The meat of OLH showed the highest content of unsaturated fatty acid, particularly linoleic acid, in its thigh meat. Electronic nose readings revealed that the meat aroma pattern was clearly different across breeds. OLH had the lowest overall acceptance score, while no differences were found in flavor, texture, juiciness and appearance among WSB, CB, and KNC. Conclusion: KNC shows potential as raw material for Samgyetang, while additional preprocessing methods, such as tenderization and fat removal, are required for the utilization of OLH as raw material for retorted Samgyetang.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.826-837
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• 2022

Objective: Cambodia is located within the distribution range of the red junglefowl, the common ancestor of domestic chickens. Although a variety of indigenous chickens have been reared in Cambodia since ancient times, their genetic characteristics have yet to be sufficiently defined. Here, we conducted a large-scale population genetic study to investigate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Cambodian indigenous chickens and their phylogenetic relationships with other chicken breeds and native chickens worldwide. Methods: A Bayesian phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 625 mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences, and Bayesian clustering analysis was performed for 666 individuals with 23 microsatellite markers, using samples collected from 28 indigenous chicken populations in 24 provinces and three commercial chicken breeds. Results: A total of 92 haplotypes of mitochondrial D-loop sequences belonging to haplogroups A to F and J were detected in Cambodian chickens; in the indigenous chickens, haplogroup D (44.4%) was the most common, and haplogroups A (21.0%) and B (13.2%) were also dominant. However, haplogroup J, which is rare in domestic chickens but abundant in Thai red junglefowl, was found at a high frequency (14.5%), whereas the frequency of haplogroup E was considerably lower (4.6%). Population genetic structure analysis based on microsatellite markers revealed the presence of three major genetic clusters in Cambodian indigenous chickens. Their genetic diversity was relatively high, which was similar to findings reported for indigenous chickens from other Southeast Asian countries. Conclusion: Cambodian indigenous chickens are characterized by mitochondrial D-loop haplotypes that are common to indigenous chickens throughout Southeast Asia, and may retain many of the haplotypes that originated from wild ancestral populations. These chickens exhibit high population genetic diversity, and the geographical distribution of three major clusters may be attributed to inter-regional trade and poultry transportation routes within Cambodia or international movement between Cambodia and other countries.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2016

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) is a particular region of the genome containing one or more genes associated with economically important quantitative traits. This study was conducted to identify QTL regions for body weight and growth traits in purebred Korean native chicken (KNC). F1 samples (n = 595) were genotyped using 127 microsatellite markers and 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms that covered 2,616.1 centi Morgan (cM) of map length for 26 autosomal linkage groups. Body weight traits were measured every 2 weeks from hatch to 20 weeks of age. Weight of half carcass was also collected together with growth rate. A multipoint variance component linkage approach was used to identify QTLs for the body weight traits. Two significant QTLs for growth were identified on chicken chromosome 3 (GGA3) for growth 16 to18 weeks (logarithm of the odds [LOD] = 3.24, Nominal p value = 0.0001) and GGA4 for growth 6 to 8 weeks (LOD = 2.88, Nominal p value = 0.0003). Additionally, one significant QTL and three suggestive QTLs were detected for body weight traits in KNC; significant QTL for body weight at 4 weeks (LOD = 2.52, nominal p value = 0.0007) and suggestive QTL for 8 weeks (LOD = 1.96, Nominal p value = 0.0027) were detected on GGA4; QTLs were also detected for two different body weight traits: body weight at 16 weeks on GGA3 and body weight at 18 weeks on GGA19. Additionally, two suggestive QTLs for carcass weight were detected at 0 and 70 cM on GGA19. In conclusion, the current study identified several significant and suggestive QTLs that affect growth related traits in a unique resource pedigree in purebred KNC. This information will contribute to improving the body weight traits in native chicken breeds, especially for the Asian native chicken breeds.