• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.964-970
• /
• 1999

Fatty acid composition and sensory characteristics of six commercial chickens(CC-RcDR, RcLR, BcBR, BcDR, BcLR, RcBR), one broiler(Arbor Acre) and three Korean native chickens(KNC-D, L, B) were evaluated. In the fatty acid composition at marketing age, KNC had generally higher unsaturated fatty acid ratio than the others. B, BcBR and BcDR showed the highest in unsaturated fatty acid but the lower than others in saturated fatty acid composition. The results of sensory test showed significant difference(P<0.05) only in the leg. B and RcBR had the highest score and Arbor Acre lowest score in juiciness. In tenderness. B had the highest score and RcDR lowest score. In the case of acceptability, KNC generally had high score. Particularly B had the highest score. Among CC, RcBR had the highest score. There were no significant differences in flavor and aroma.

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

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.33 no.11
• /
• pp.1755-1762
• /
• 2020

Objective: Thyroid hormone responsive spot 14 alpha (THRSP) has been used to investigate the regulation of de novo lipogenesis because the variation of THRSP mRNA content in the tissue affects directly the ability of that tissue to synthetize lipids. Also, this gene responds to thyroid hormone stimulation and high level of carbohydrate feeding or insulin-injection. This study was carried out to investigate variations within THRSP and their effects on body and carcass weights in Korean native chicken (KNC). Methods: A total of 585 chickens which represent the five lines of KNC (Black, Gray-Brown, Red-Brown, White, and Yellow-Brown) were reared and body weight data were recorded every two weeks from hatch until 20 weeks of age. Polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism, DNA chips for Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, and Fluidigm Genotyping Technology, were applied to genotype selected markers. A linear mixed-effect model was used to access association between these single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and growth-related traits. Results: A total of 30 polymorphisms were investigated in THRSP. Of these, nine SNPs for loci were selected to perform association analyses. Significant associations were detected between g.-49G>T SNP with body weight at 20 weeks of age (BW20), g.451T>C SNP with growth at 10 to 12 weeks of age (GR10-12), and g.1432A>C SNP with growth at 14 to 16 weeks trait (GR14-16) and body weight at 18 weeks of age (BW18). Moreover, diplotype of the THRSP gene significantly affected body weight at 12 weeks of age (BW12) and GR10-12 traits. Diplotype of ht1/ht2 was favorable for BW12 and GR10-12 traits. Conclusion: These results suggest that THRSP can be regarded as a candidate gene for growth traits in KNC.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.26-31
• /
• 2018

Objective: This study estimated the genetic parameters for body weight gain and growth curve parameter traits in Korean native chicken (KNC). Methods: A total of 585 $F_1$ chickens were used along with 88 of their $F_0$ birds. Body weights were measured every 2 weeks from hatching to 20 weeks of age to measure weight gain at 2-week intervals. For each individual, a logistic growth curve model was fitted to the longitudinal growth dataset to obtain three growth curve parameters (${\alpha}$, asymptotic final body weight; ${\beta}$, inflection point; and ${\gamma}$, constant scale that was proportional to the overall growth rate). Genetic parameters were estimated based on the linear-mixed model using a restricted maximum likelihood method. Results: Heritability estimates of body weight gain traits were low to high (0.057 to 0.458). Heritability estimates for ${\alpha}$, ${\beta}$, and ${\gamma}$ were $0.211{\pm}0.08$, $0.249{\pm}0.09$, and $0.095{\pm}0.06$, respectively. Both genetic and phenotypic correlations between weight gain traits ranged from -0.527 to 0.993. Genetic and phenotypic correlation between the growth curve parameters and weight gain traits ranged from -0.968 to 0.987. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study population, we suggest that the KNC could be used for selective breeding between 6 and 8 weeks of age to enhance the overall genetic improvement of growth traits. After validation of these results in independent studies, these findings will be useful for further optimization of breeding programs for KNC.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.5.1-5.8
• /
• 2015

Background: Korean native chicken (KNC) is a well-known breed due to its superior meat taste. This breed, however, owing to a low growth rate, has a high market price. In order to overcome this disadvantage, the National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) in Korea developed a commercial KNC breed, named Woorimatdag version 2 (WM2), an upgraded version of the Woorimatdag (WM1) breed and the WM2 was created by crossing the KNC with meat type breeds. This study aims to discriminate between WM2 and other chicken breeds using microsatellite (MS) markers. Methods: A total of 302 individuals from eight Korean chicken populations were examined. The genetic diversity and population structure analysis were investigated using Cervus, API-CALC, STRUCTURE, PowerMarker programs. Results: Based on heterozygosity and polymorphic information content (PIC) values, 30 MS markers were initially selected from 150 markers. The identified average number of alleles (Na), expected heterozygosity, and PIC values for the WM2 samples were 7.17, 0.741, and 0.682, respectively. Additionally, the paternity of individuals was assigned with a success rate of greater than 99% using 12 markers, the best minimum number of markers. The 12 selected markers contained heterozygosity and PIC values above 0.7 and probability of identity values around zero. Using these markers, the determined probability of identity (PI), $PI_{half-sibs}$, and $PI_{sibs}$ values were 3.23E-33, 5.03E-22, and 8.61E-08, respectively. Conclusions: WM2 is well differentiated with respect to other chicken breeds based on estimated genetic distances. The results presented here will contribute to the identification of commercial WM2 chicken in the market.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.177-183
• /
• 1998

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the performance of various Korean Native Chickens (KNC) for 64 weeks. Eight hundreds and ten KNC one-day birds were arranged to three strains, Dark Brown(D), Light Brown(L) and Black(B). Each strain had three replicates of 90 birds a replicate. Birds fed same diet with Korean standard feeding. Data were obtained growing performance to 20 week of age and laying performance from twenty one to sixty four week. During the growing stage from hatch to 20 week of age, there were not significant difference to three strains on viability, body weight and feed intake. L strain tended to be earlier 50％ egg production day than that of other strains, but was not significantly different. Egg production of L strain was the highest of strains. It showed significantly higher egg production compared to that of D strain(P<0.05), but was not statistically different from that of B strain. Laying peak period was between 28 to 32 week of age in all strains, Egg weight was heavier in D strain(P<0.05). Feed intake was the same as 105g, and feed conversion improved in L strain(P<0.05). There were not difference on interior egg and eggshell quality by strains although eggshell thickness improved slightly in D strain. Fertility of D strain was the highest compared to others(P<0.05) regardless laying stages. Hatchability was not influenced by strains at 39 weeks old, but was significantly higher in B strain at 62 week of age(P< 0.05). The results of this experiment indicated that KNC 3 strains were not effect on egg production, feed intake and feed conversion ratio.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.41-50
• /
• 2021

Although feather-sexing using sex-linked genes related to feather development is a widely used chick sexing method in the poultry industry, the feather-sexing method has yet to be used for Korean native chickens (KNCs). The purpose of this study was to construct a KNC feather-sexing line using early-feathering (EF) and late-feathering (LF) genes for industrial application. Using 557 reddish-brown KNCs as the basal flock, frequencies of the EF (k) and LF (K) genes were estimated to be 0.814 and 0.186, respectively. This indicating that it would be feasible to construct a feather-sexing line using this chicken group, and we accordingly constructed EF paternal and LF maternal lines. On the basis of test-cross for the selection of LF homozygous (KK) males in the maternal line, we confirmed that three of 40 chickens were homozygous males. The survival rate, body weight, days at first egg-laying, hen-day egg production, and egg weight were analyzed to compare the production performance of EF and LF chickens. The results revealed that EF chickens were characterized by a superior survival rate, whereas LF chickens were superior in terms of egg production rate. However, no differences between LF and EF chickens were detected with respect to other production performance parameters. In addition, assessment of the fitness of sexed chicks produced in the established KNC feather-sexing lines revealed that the accuracy of sexing was 98.6%. Collectively, these findings indicate the feasibility of constructing effective KNC feather-sexing lines with potential industrial application.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.15-22
• /
• 2023

This study was to investigate the relationship between chick weight in the growing period and the laying performance of Korean native chicken (KNC) breeders. We measured the body weights of 1,384 KNC breeders at 1-140 days of age at two-week intervals. The age at first egg laying, hen-day and hen-housed egg production, and the egg weights were investigated. Correlation coefficients between the body weight and egg production traits were analyzed. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between body weight and age at first egg laying were significantly positive before 4 weeks, but negative after 8 weeks of age. The correlation coefficients between body weight and egg production rate were estimated to be negative before 8 weeks and positive after 12 weeks of age. Coefficients of hen-day and hen-housed egg production were similar. There was little correlation between body weight and egg weight at 32 weeks of age, whereas a low positive correlation was with egg weight at 50 weeks. In conclusion, there was little correlation between body weight and laying performance before 8 weeks of age, whereas a significant positive correlation was with body weight after 12 weeks. The results suggest that as the chick's weight increases in the late growing stage, sexual maturity is faster, the egg production rate is higher, and the egg weight increases. Therefore, the weight management of KNC female breeders is very important in the late growing stage, and the body weight of chicks must be maintained above the standard weight.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.31-35
• /
• 2007

The main purpose of this study was to improve the efficiency and quality of in vitro embryo production in Korean Native Cows (KNC). We examined the effects of ovarian morphologies (Experiment 1) and the culture vessel (Experiment 2) on in vitro maturation (IVM). We measured the subsequent development rates and cell numbers of blastocysts. In Experiment 1, the ovaries of KNC were divided into six groups, based on follicle and corpus luteum (CL) morphology. The development rates to the 2- and 8-cell stages were similar among the six groups. The development rates to blastocyst stages were significantly higher in the group without a CL or follicle (WOCL/F) than in the groups with follicular cysts (FCs), regressive CLs (RCLs) or cystic CLs (CCLs) (p<0.05). The cell number of the inner cell mass (ICM) of blastocysts in the FCs and RCLs groups, and the number of cells in the trophectoderm (TE) in the WOCL/F group, FCs, growing CLs (GCLs) and RCLs were significantly higher than in other groups (p<0.05). The total cell number (TCN) in the WOCL/F, FC and RCL groups was also significantly higher than in other groups (p<0.05). The ICM cell number/TCN ratio was significantly higher in the FC and RCL groups than in the GCL and DF groups (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, oocyte IVM was carried out in culture dishes, in 0.25- or 0.5-ml straws used for freezing sperm. The development rate to the 2-cell stage was significantly higher in the 0.5-ml straw group than in the 0.25-ml straw group. The development rates to the blastocyst stage were similar in the dish and the two straw groups. There were no differences in the cell numbers of ICM, TE or TCN or ICM cell number/TCN ratios between groups.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.566-573
• /
• 2017

The study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, viability, and uniformity of female crossbred Korean native chickens (KNC) for the first twelve weeks after hatching. Six crossbreed lines of chickens (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B) bred from 1 paternal line and 6 maternal lines of KNC were compared in this study. Sixty newly hatched 1-day old chicks from each crossbreed, for a total of 360 chickens, were allocated into 6 replicates (10 birds per replicate) in a complete randomized design. Experimental diets used in this study consisted of 3 phases: 1) week 0 to 5, crude protein 20.3% and metabolizable energy 3,059 kcal/kg; 2) week 5 to 8, crude protein 18.6% and metabolizable energy 3,123 kcal/kg; and 3) week 8 to 12, crude protein 16.7% and metabolizable energy 3,187 kcal/kg. Body weight and feed intake were measured bi-weekly during the experiment. The 4B crossbreed had a higher body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake on week 12 (p < 0.05) than the other groups. The 4B crossbreed had a lower (p < 0.05) uniformity during weeks 10 to 12 than crossbreeds 1B and 5B. However, a lower viability was observed (p > 0.05) in 4B in weeks 2 to 12 than those in the other groups. Results of the current study indicate that the 4B crossbreed had a higher growth performance in week 12 but had a lower viability for weeks 2 to 12 than the other crossbreeds.