Genetic variability of twelve microsatellite loci in native Canela-Preta chickens

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variability of twelve microsatellite loci in native Canela-Preta chickens. Blood samples were collected from 118 chickens of the breed from five properties in three cities (Oeiras, Queimada Nova and Teresina) of Piauí state. After the DNA extraction, markers were used for twelve microsatellite loci: LEI0192, LEI0209, LEI0212, LEI0217, LEI0221, LEI0234, LEI0237, LEI0248, LEI0258, MCW0081, MCW0183, and MCW0213 that were amplified by polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). The results showed a total of 408 alleles (adding alleles from the 12 loci) with the fragments ranging between 50 and 460 base pairs, the number of alleles ranged from 15 (MCW0081) to 52 (LEI0212) with an average of 31,5 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity and PIC were, respectively, 0.887 and 0.909. Deviations were observed in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and positive values of the fixation index with excess of homozygotes. It is concluded that the used microsatellites are polymorphic and can, therefore, be used for genetic research in Canela-Preta chickens. The birds of the analyzed cores present great genetic variability, which qualifies them as an important source of genetic resources, which could be used for future animal breeding programs.