Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Tropical Animal Health and Production, cilt.57, sa.7, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Indigenous chicken breeds are valuable genetic resources with adaptations to various ecological and cultural environments. However, they are increasingly endangered by the commercial poultry industry’s focus on efficiency over diversity. This study examines the genetic relationship between the Gerze chicken breed from Turkey and the La Flèche breed from France, both known for superior meat quality. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis was conducted on the D-loop region across 36 samples from these breeds, with reference sequences from related subspecies and other Turkish breeds. Next-generation sequencing revealed minor genetic differences between Gerze and La Flèche, with most samples differing by only one or two nucleotide substitutions. Haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes, with Gerze and La Flèche chickens largely sharing closely related haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a shared ancestry from Gallus gallus murghi, indicating historical genetic connections between distant populations. Gerze showed close genetic ties with other Turkish breeds, such as Denizli and Sultan, while differing significantly from the Ispenc breed. Although genetically similar to the La Flèche breed, the Gerze chicken remains less recognized in comparison. This study underscores the importance of conserving indigenous breeds such as Gerze to preserve both genetic diversity and cultural heritage. Promoting Gerze’s unique qualities can aid conservation efforts, and further research should explore the breed’s potential in modern poultry breeding.