Evaluation of genetic similarity between white and grey varieties of guinea fowl (Numida Meleagris)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine DNA polymorphism between and within white and grey varieties of guinea fowl. At the end of 12 weeks of age, blood was sampled from 13 white and 16 grey guinea fowl, and DNA was isolated. Genetic similarity between the birds was evaluated using RAPD-PCR technique. PCR with five primers was performed in birds studied. The largest number of bands appeared after electrophoresis with AB1-05 and AB1-09 primers, and the smallest number when AB1-08 primer was used. Genetic similarity between the white and grey varieties of guinea fowl, determined as the mean for the primers used, was 0.97. The coefficient of genetic similarity averaged 0.65 within white variety and 0.64 within grey variety.