Genetic diversity and relationship of Indian Muscovy duck populations

Assessment of genetic diversity within and between populations is a prerequisite for sustainable utilization of domestic species. The domestic Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is an economically important species around the world for its unique meat taste and low-caloric content. It is one of the important domestic species in India as it ensures food security to the rural sectors. In this study, we have analyzed the genetic diversity and relationship of four Muscovy duck populations collected from different states (Assam, Mizoram, Odisha and Kerala) of India using mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear DNA CYP2U1 genes. The results showed low genetic diversity among populations for both the genes. Kerala population showed significant genetic differences from the other three populations. The median joining network of cytochrome b gene suggested that the domestic Muscovy ducks present in India are the product of a single domestication event and probably introduced to India several years ago, as reported elsewhere. This study has also showed the suitability of nuclear DNA CYP2U1 gene in genetic diversity analysis.评估种群内部与种群间的遗传多样性，是家养物种可持续利用的前提条件。家养疣鼻栖鸭（Cairina moschata）凭借其独特的肉质风味与低热量特性，在全球范围内均为极具经济价值的家养物种。在印度，该物种亦是重要的家养物种之一，可为农村地区筑牢粮食安全屏障。本研究针对从印度阿萨姆邦、米佐拉姆邦、奥里萨邦及喀拉拉邦采集的4个疣鼻栖鸭种群，采用线粒体DNA（mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA）细胞色素b基因与核DNA（nuclear DNA）CYP2U1基因，分析其遗传多样性水平与种群间亲缘关系。结果显示，两类基因在各种群间均呈现较低的遗传多样性；喀拉拉邦种群与其余三个种群之间存在显著的遗传分化。细胞色素b基因的中介连接网络图表明，印度境内的家养疣鼻栖鸭均起源于单次驯化事件，且如既往研究所报道的那样，该物种可能于多年前被引入印度。本研究同时证实了核DNA CYP2U1基因可有效应用于遗传多样性分析。