Genetic Diversity Analysis of Nixi Chicken Using Microsatellite DNA Markers

Nixi chicken as an indigenous breed in Yunnan plateau displays some particular genetic characteristics, such as disease resistance, fecundity and the ability to adapt to high altitude and the cold weather. In order to elucidate background information on its genetic diversity and population history and to support the decision on its conservation and further utilization, the polymorphisms of 33 microsatellite loci from 24 chromosomes were examined to assess the level of genetic diversity in this breed. The results showed that 122 alleles were identified in 50 individuals and the mean value was 3.7 per locus. The average heterozygosity and polymorphic information content of 33 microsatellite loci were 0.635 0 and 0.551 4, respectively. The genetic polymorphism observed in macrochromosomes was higher than that in microchromosomes. These results indicated that the Nixi chicken breed has high level of genetic diversity.