High Genetic Diversity but Absence of Population Structure in Local Chickens of Sri Lanka Inferred by Microsatellite Markers.

Local chicken populations belonging to five villages in two geographically separated provinces of Sri Lanka were analyzed using 20 microsatellite markers to determine the genetic diversity of local chickens. Population genetic parameters were estimated separately for five populations based on geographic locations and for eight populations based on phenotypes, such as naked neck, long legged, crested or crown, frizzle feathered, Giriraj, commercial layer, crossbreds, and non-descript chicken. The analysis revealed that there was a high genetic diversity among local chickens with high number of unique alleles, mean number of alleles per locus (MNA), and total number of alleles per locus per population.

Participatory definition of breeding objectives for sheep breeds under pastoral systems--the case of Red Maasai and Dorper sheep in Kenya.

Crossing local breeds with exotic breeds may be an option for increased livestock productivity. However, there is a risk for endangerment of the local breeds. One such case is in Kenya where the imported Dorper breed is used for crossbreeding with Red Maasai sheep.