Genetic diversity among commercial chicken populations estimated from DNA fingerprints

Blood samples were obtained from parental pure lines representing a large majority of commercial meat-type (broiler) and white egg layer lines presently available in the USA. From blood mixes of each line, DNA was extracted and a DNA fingerprint pattern characteristic of that line was produced. Additionally, DNA fingerprints representing wild jungle fowl and two randombred control populations were produced. Three analyses were conducted: 1) among broiler sire lines, jungle fowl, and one control line; 2) among broiler dam lines, jungle fowl, and one control line; and 3) among parental lines of white egg layers, jungle fowl, and the second control line. Bandsharing levels were calculated, providing an estimate of genetic diversity among lines. Conclusions were that, at present, broiler sire lines, broiler dam lines, and parental lines of white egg layers that make up the majority of commercial breeding populations available in the USA contain a considerable reservoir of genetic diversity.