LEI0258 microsatellite variability in Khorasan, Marandi, and Arian chickens.

Microsatellite LEI0258 is a genetic marker for chicken MHC haplotypes and can be used as an indicator of the influence of population genetics on immune responses. LEI0258 microsatellite variability in three Iranian indigenous chicken populations (Khorasan, Marandi, and Arian) was investigated. In total, 142 Khorasan, 42 Marandi, and 58 Arian chickens were examined. Collectively, 25 different alleles and 79 genotypes could be found. The observed levels of heterozygosity were 81% in Khorasan and Marandi and 34% in Arian chickens. Our results indicate that LEI0258 diversity in Marandi chickens is higher than in the other populations. Allelic diversity in Iranian chickens is relatively higher than in the local chicken breeds reported for Brazil and Vietnam.