# Divergent ancestry of Korean native and Thai chickens with independent gene pool retention by Korean commercial chickens

## TL;DR

This study explores the genetic diversity and ancestry of Korean native chickens, revealing distinct gene pools and implications for their conservation.

## Contribution

The study identifies distinct genetic clusters and selection loci in Korean native chickens, highlighting their independent evolution and conservation needs.

## Key findings

- Korean traditional Yellow Brown chickens showed the highest genetic diversity, while commercial chickens exhibited signs of inbreeding.
- Eight loci were identified as being under directional selection in Korean native chickens.
- Genetic clustering revealed distinct gene pools between Korean native chickens and Thai chicken populations, indicating independent evolution.

## Abstract

The objective is to investigate the genetic variation and linkages of Korean native chickens (KNCs), which are regarded as a significant genetic resource due to their distinctive features, however remain inadequately studied in these aspects. In this study, we investigated the genetic variation within five KNC varieties: Korean commercial chicken (KOR-C/M), Silkie (KOR-KS), Leghorn (KOR-LH)—all imported and adapted varieties—and two pureline KNCs: Korean traditional Gray Brown (KOR-KGB) and Korean traditional Yellow Brown (KOR-KYB).

The relationship of KNCs with chicken breeds from Thailand was evaluated using microsatellite genotyping.

High genetic diversity was observed among the KNC breeds, with KOR-KYB showing the highest heterozygosity, whereas KOR-C/M exhibited the lowest heterozygosity and signs of inbreeding. The loci MCW0016, ADL0268, MCW0081, MCW0067, MCW0248, MCW0165, ADL0278, and MCW0330 were identified as being under directional selection. Genetic clustering analyses indicated four distinct clusters, with KOR-C/M differing from other KNC breeds. Distinct gene pools were observed between KNC breeds and indigenous and local chicken populations, as well as red junglefowl in Thailand, suggesting that they have evolved separately. However, connections may exist due to shared ancestry and crossbreeding.

Clustering analysis revealed that KNC breeds formed a separate group from indigenous and local chickens and red junglefowl in Thailand. The distinct genetic patterns suggest independent evolution of the KNC and local Thai breeds, although shared ancestry and crossbreeding may have introduced some connections. These findings bear significant implications for the conservation and sustainable management of KNC populations.