Tracing Worldwide Turkey Genetic Diversity Using D-loop Sequence Mitochondrial DNA Analysis

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Archaeogenetics
• Domestication Studies

Background:

• Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) domestication is ancient, possibly originating in Mexico ~2000 years ago.
• The phylogenetic and genealogical background of domestic turkey populations remains poorly understood.
• Understanding genetic diversity is crucial for tracing origins and global expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the domestication process of turkeys.
• To identify genetic connections within and between turkey populations.
• To determine turkey origins, global expansion, and genetic value.

Main Methods:

• Mitochondrial DNA sequencing was performed on 93 domestic turkeys from Brazil, Mexico, USA, Spain, Italy, Iran, and Egypt.
• Genetic diversity and haplotype network analyses were conducted.
• Publicly available sequences were incorporated for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• Seventy-six polymorphic sites were identified across the sampled turkey populations.
• Mexico exhibited the highest number of polymorphic sites (40) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0175).
• Mexican and USA populations showed greater stability and diversity within six major haplogroups, potentially due to conservative husbandry practices.

Conclusions:

• Mexican and USA turkey populations represent significant genetic reservoirs.
• Conservative husbandry in some regions may have limited the introduction of commercial turkey lines, preserving local genetic diversity.
• Further research can leverage these findings to inform conservation strategies and understand turkey domestication history.