H. Takahashi et al., Genetic relationships among Japanese native breeds of chicken based on microsatellite DNA polymorphisms, J HEREDITY, 89(6), 1998, pp. 543-546
Genetic relationships among Japanese native breeds of chickens were studied
on the basis of microsatellite DNA polymorphisms. DNA samples from 10 Japa
nese native breeds (Iwate-Jidori, Aizu-Jidori, Sadohige-Jidori, Siba-Tori,
Onaga-Dori, Echigonankin, Hinai, Kinpa, Koeyoshi, and Tomaru) and one impor
ted breed (White Leghorn) were analyzed using eight microsatellite markers
that were isolated from a microsatellite DNA-enriched library of chickens (
Takahashi et al. 1996). The PCR primers to detect (CA), repeat length polym
orphisms were synthesized based on the sequences of clones, and these marke
rs were typed by PCR amplification and electrophoresis using a DNA sequence
r. Since all eight microsatellite markers were polymorphic, genetic distanc
e between the breeds could be calculated based on the frequencies of allele
s of the microsatellites and phylogenetic relationships between the breeds
could be estimated. Most Japanese native chickens were grouped into three g
roups that correspond to the origin breeds, Jidori, Shokoku, and Shame. The
results suggest that microsatellite DNA markers are a useful tool for stud
ying the genetic relationships among chicken breeds.