422. Whole genome sequencing reveals genetic diversity and heat-stress adaptation in Nigerian indigenous chickens in "Society - genetics in the tropics"

Abstract

Poultry is a crucial sector for the livelihoods and food security of millions of people in Nigeria. Here we present the first large scale whole-genome sequencing analysis on Nigerian indigenous chickens from different agro-climatic conditions, investigating their genetic diversity and adaptation to tropical hot climates. We observe a large genetic diversity but low levels of population differentiation. Selection signature analyses were performed to identify candidate genes in relation to heat-stress adaptation including those specific to extreme hot-humid or hot-arid conditions. These results have important implications for the conservation of genetic diversity and breeding improvement of chickens for thermo-tolerance. Introduction Indigenous livestock populations from different geographic regions constitute important genetic resources for conservation as they represent adaptation to local agro-climatic conditions. Native tropical breeds are particularly crucial, as climate change and global warming is forcing many temperate regions to experience tropic-like conditions and such breeds may hold a genetic solution for climate-resilience.