Introduction to chicken genetic resources of India: a comprehensive review.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Introduction to chicken genetic resources of India: a comprehensive review.
Authors: Chatnallikar, Vidyasagar1 (AUTHOR) vsgr00@gmail.com, Krishnamurthy, T. N.2 (AUTHOR), Indresh, H. C.1 (AUTHOR), Patil, Vivek M.2 (AUTHOR), Inamdar, Basavaraj3 (AUTHOR), Yathish, H. M.4 (AUTHOR), Basavarajaiah, D. M.5 (AUTHOR), Goli, Rangasai Chandra6 (AUTHOR), Kotresh, Prasad C.7 (AUTHOR), Sukhija, Nidhi6,8 (AUTHOR), Kumar, Amit9 (AUTHOR), Aderao, Ganesh N.9 (AUTHOR), Chishi, Kiyevi G.6 (AUTHOR), Mahar, Karan6 (AUTHOR), Kanaka, K. K.9 (AUTHOR) kkokay07@gmail.com
Source: Discover Animals (3004-894X). Dec2025, Vol. 2 Issue 1, p1-21. 21p.
Document Type: Article
Subjects: Chicken breeds, Conservation projects (Natural resources), Genetic markers, Climate change adaptation, Genetic variation, Molecular diagnosis, Poultry farming, Population genetics
Geographic Terms: India
Author-Supplied Keywords: Biological Sciences Genetics Environmental Sciences Environmental Science and Management
Chicken
Conservation
Genetic resources
Poultry
Abstract: India is home to a diverse range of indigenous chicken breeds, which are crucial for rural livelihoods, genetic conservation, and sustainable poultry farming. These breeds exhibit unique traits, including disease resistance, climate adaptability, and superior meat and egg quality, making them valuable genetic resources. However, intensified commercial poultry production has led to the decline of native breeds, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. This review systematically examines the genetic diversity, population structure, and conservation strategies of Indian indigenous chicken breeds. Molecular tools such as microsatellite markers, SNP genotyping, and whole-genome sequencing have been extensively used to characterize genetic variations and phylogenetic relationships among these breeds. The study compiles data from the 20th Livestock Census, ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, india, and peer-reviewed genetic studies to present a comprehensive overview of population trends and genetic uniqueness. Findings indicate that despite their genetic richness, several indigenous breeds face the risk of genetic dilution and population decline. To address this, structured breeding programs, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, and genomic selection techniques must be reinforced. Future research should focus on genome-wide association studies (GWAS), epigenetics, and climate resilience traits to enhance productivity while preserving genetic integrity. Strengthening national conservation policies will be essential to ensure the sustainability of indigenous chicken biodiversity in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Author Affiliations: 1https://ror.org/03js6zg56 Department of Poultry Science, Veterinary College, Bengaluru, India
2https://ror.org/03js6zg56 Department of Livestock Production and Management, Veterinary College, Bengaluru, India
3Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College, Bidar, India
4https://ror.org/03js6zg56 Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College, Bengaluru, India
5Department of Statistics and Computer Science, Dairy Science College, Bengaluru, India
6https://ror.org/03ap5bg83 ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
7Department of Livestock Production and Management, Veterinary College, Bidar, India
8CSB-Central Tasar Research Institute and Training Center, Ranchi, India
9https://ror.org/04kswek43 ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, India
Full Text Word Count: 14049
DOI: 10.1007/s44338-025-00072-z
Accession Number: 191837988
Database: Veterinary Source
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Abstract:India is home to a diverse range of indigenous chicken breeds, which are crucial for rural livelihoods, genetic conservation, and sustainable poultry farming. These breeds exhibit unique traits, including disease resistance, climate adaptability, and superior meat and egg quality, making them valuable genetic resources. However, intensified commercial poultry production has led to the decline of native breeds, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. This review systematically examines the genetic diversity, population structure, and conservation strategies of Indian indigenous chicken breeds. Molecular tools such as microsatellite markers, SNP genotyping, and whole-genome sequencing have been extensively used to characterize genetic variations and phylogenetic relationships among these breeds. The study compiles data from the 20th Livestock Census, ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, india, and peer-reviewed genetic studies to present a comprehensive overview of population trends and genetic uniqueness. Findings indicate that despite their genetic richness, several indigenous breeds face the risk of genetic dilution and population decline. To address this, structured breeding programs, in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, and genomic selection techniques must be reinforced. Future research should focus on genome-wide association studies (GWAS), epigenetics, and climate resilience traits to enhance productivity while preserving genetic integrity. Strengthening national conservation policies will be essential to ensure the sustainability of indigenous chicken biodiversity in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
DOI:10.1007/s44338-025-00072-z