Mapping of quantitative trait loci for growth and carcass-related traits in chickens using a restriction-site associated dna sequencing method

Abstract

In the present study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analysis was performed to identify the chromosomal positions of growth andcarcass-relatedtrait QTLs using 319 F2 chickens obtainedfrom intercrosses of an Oh-Shamo male and four White Plymouth Rock females. Body weight was measured weekly until the birds were 7 weeks old. Carcassrelatedtraits were also measuredat this timepoint. A genetic linkage map was constructedusing 545 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that were developedusing a restriction-site associatedDNA sequencing method. The linkage map includedthe 23 autosomes andthe Z chromosome. Using simple interval QTL mapping, we were able to identify 10 significant andsuggestive main-effect QTLs for growth andcarcass-relatedtraits present on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 19, 24, andZ. These loci explained 5.60 -16.52% of the phenotypic variances. The chromosomal positions of the 10 QTLs overlappedwith those of previously reportedQTLs, whereas the targetedtraits varied. Our QTLs will aidfuture breeding programs in improving growth andmeat yieldof chickens (e.g., via marker-assisted selection), particularly in the Japanese brandchicken industry.