Genetic Diversity of Indigenous Chickens in Cameroon

Abstract

Over time, the adaptation to harsh environmental conditions by the indigenous chickens resulted in a huge genetic potential that goes beyond the mere short-term objectives of sources of income, food protein, and other relevant social practices. This type of poultry is challenged yearly by many epizooties that disseminate over 80% of the national flock size estimated to be 45 million. Gallus gallus remains the dominant species of the great family of Gallinaceans reared by 57% of women as the main stakeholders. Out of many poultry species, Gallus gallus is the only widely reared group in Cameroon and this study exemplifies the rich phenotypic potentials of its genetic diversity. Phenotypically, these chickens expressed feathered shank (gene PTI), crested head (gene CR), naked neck (gene NA), and frizzled (gene F) phenotypes representing 5.4%, 9.9%, 7%, and 0.8% of the population respectively. Their respective gene frequencies were 2.93%, 5%, 3.5%, and 0.4%. Sex-linked dwarf gene (DW*N) frequencies were 7.4% in males and 0.5% in females. Molecular studies by the use of microsatellites pointed out the expected (He) and observed (Ho) heterozygosity to vary from 0.617 to 0.634 and from 0.628 to 0.664, respectively. At the same time this study is made aware on the risks of introgression rates from 16% to 47% of improved breeds into the village chickens. In this condition, the gene pool of local chicken is experiencing a dangerous erosion of its original genetic diversity. The presence of relevant tropical genetic mutations can be associated with any poultry genetic improvement. Urgent conservation measures that will pave the way for subsequent progress are imperative.