The origin patterns, admixture, and selection signatures of the global gamecock populations

The gamecock is a special domestication product of chicken training for cockfighting. With the development of society, factors such as animal protection and social morality have led to a decline in the number of gamecocks. As a crucial category of genetic resources, more measures need to be taken for protection. In this study, we elucidated the origin patterns, admixture, and selection signatures of the global gamecock populations via genome resequencing data. Results suggested multiple origins of global gamecocks. Asian gamecocks have at least five distinct origins, whereas those from Europe and the Americas have a common origin. Admixtures widely occurred from gamecocks to commercial and local chickens. The influences of admixture events are mainly revealed in metabolism and immunity pathways. A total of twenty-four candidate genes were identified in gamecock populations. The TSNARE1 gene associated with emotion regulation and nervous system development, and two genes (the DGKB and GBE1) include specific variants, are regarded as important representatives which experienced strong selection during the domestication of the gamecocks. In summary, our study provides comprehensive genetic insights into the domestication of gamecocks worldwide and the utilization of gamecock genetic resources as breeding materials.