Comparative Investigation of Polymorphism in Growth hormones mRNA of FUNAAB Alpha and Ross 308 broiler Chickens
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo. Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Research Article
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2026, 10(02), 029-039.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2026.10.2.0026
Publication history:
Received on 27 February 2026; revised on 06 April 2026; accepted on 08 April 2026
Abstract:
This study aimed to compare the polymorphisms of growth hormone mRNA of FUNAAB Alpha and Ross 308 broiler chickens. Liver tissues were harvested from 20 randomly selected birds (5 per sex comprising of 10 birds per breed)) from the population of 100 birds reared for the purpose of this study at Teaching and Research Unit of the Department of Animal Science, University of Uyo and a total RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed to cDNA, and sequenced. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), estimate genetic diversity, and assess differentiation between breeds. Results showed Polymorphic sites detected in the GH mRNA of both breeds. Ross-308 exhibited higher haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.833), while FUNAAB Alpha showed slightly greater nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00390). Genetic differentiation between the breeds was moderate (FST = 0.289), with limited gene flow (Nm ≈ 0.6), indicating distinct evolutionary trajectories. The findings confirmed that the GH gene is polymorphic, even in a highly selected commercial line, and a unique genetic architectures between the two breeds were observed. This study provides functional insight into GH mRNA variation and underscores the importance of transcriptional-level analysis in understanding the genetic basis of growth performance. The evidence of moderate differentiation and unique diversity patterns should be considered by animal breeders in their breeding programs. For the FUNAAB Alpha breed, deliberate management of its genetic diversity could be important to maintain its unique traits and avoid excessive inbreeding.
Keywords:
Evolutionary relationship; FUNAAB Alpha; Genetic diversity; growth hormone mRNA; Ross 308 breed
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