Assessment of generic differences between and within four avian species by employing randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers

Molecular genetic analysis were carried out on 4 important avian species viz. Turkey, Emu, Duck and Chicken (Dahlem Red) as sampled from the genetic stocks maintained at the Department of Poultry Science, ANGRAU and Project Directorate on Poultry, Hyderabad, using Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Representative samples inclusive of both sexes from each of these species were subjected to RAPD analyses as per standard protocols, using 6 highly informative random primers (decamers) chosen from a total of 24 primers. A cumulative total of 161 polymorphic markers scored from these genetic samples were applied for making intra and inter generic comparison. The results revealed significantly variant and distinct fingerprint patterns specific to each of the species, which aided in instant differentiation of the species and the individuals within the respective species. Within-genera analysis of the samples indicated highest amount of genetic homogeneity for the Dahlem Red (chicken) samples (84.7% genetic similarity), while the ducks were observed to be the least homogeneous as a genetic group (76.7%). Bulk of the RAPD alleles amplified from these primers were representative of the variable regions of the respective genomes, across the genera. The inter-generic distances were very high between the species. When measured, the chicken (Dahlem Red) samples were at a maximum genetic distance from the Turkeys (0.4599) while Ducks were at minimum genetic distance (0.3675) from Emu. The study proved that the RAPD markers were useful as genetic markers for inter-generic variabilityassessments, which can form an efficient and affordable marker system for the purposes.