Allelic segregation of major histocompatibility complex using LEI0258 microsatellite marker in indigenous and commercial chickens

BACKGROUND: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in chicken has profound influence on resistance/susceptibility to disease, and production and reproduction traits. Microsatellite marker LEI0258 is a genetic indicator for MHC haplotypes. Recognizing diversity of MHC haplotypes in selectively bred populations will be helpful for selecting population resistant to disease and development of effective vaccines. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate polymorphism at MHC in two populations of Khorasan indigenous chickens and commercial Leghorn breed using microsatellite marker LEI0258 and to investigate its segregation and heredity. Methods: A total of 335 blood samples from Khorasan Razavi indigenous chickens and commercial Leghorn population including parents (P) and offspring (F1), were analyzed. The MHC genotypes were determined using LEI0258 microsatellite. The study of allele heredity from P to F1 and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were conducted using Chi-square and Likelihood Ratio tests. Results: In Khorasan indigenous chickens 20 different alleles were identified for LEI0258 microsatellite. The allele 321 bp had the highest (22.88%) and the allele 182 bp had the lowest (0.16%) frequency. In the commercial population (Leghorn breed) 3 alleles were found for this marker of which the allele 261 bp had the highest (50%) and alleles 487 bp had the lowest (6 %) frequency. In allele heredity analysis and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of Khorasan population, no significant differences were observed between P and F1 progenies. ConclusionS: These results indicate a higher genetic variation in indigenous chickens compared to commercial breed. There was no preference for a particular allele in indigenous chickens. The higher frequency of some alleles in F1 population is due to the high frequency of the same alleles in parent population which their gametes make the population gene pool.