Mutational and Evolutionary Analyses of MC1R Gene in Exotic and Nigerian Indigenous Turkeys with Different Colored Feathers

Background and Objective: Understanding the genetic basis for breed variations is an important step toward achieving breed improvement. Investigations were conducted on the MC1R gene mutations and evolutionary assessments in Nigerian local and exotic turkeys with various colored feathers. Materials and Methods: The experiment, which lasted for 16 weeks, included 60 poults in total, 15 of which were each of three genotypes of indigenous Nigerian turkeys (white, black and lavender in color) and exotic turkeys. Quick-DNA Mini-prep Plus extraction kits were used to extract genomic DNA and product guidelines were followed to the letter. Using NCBI primer BLAST, a set of primers was developed to amplify exon 1 of the MC1R gene in Turkey. Results: In both Nigerian local and exotic turkeys, nine SNPs were found in exon 1 of the MC1R gene. The major allele frequency was in the range of 0.57 to 0.86. Seven haplotypes in all were found, with five belonging to the exotic, three to the Nigerian local white, one to the Nigerian local black and two to the lavender genotypes. In all genotypes, Tajima's D values were negative and non-significant (p>0.05), however, Fu's Fs values were negative in exotic turkey. According to the phylogenetic study, Nigerian local black and lavender turkeys have a closer relationship, whereas Nigerian local white turkeys are more closely related to exotics. Conclusion: Nigerian indigenous turkeys can be classified into distinct genotypes according to their plumage colours using the SNPs and haplotypes found in exon 1 of the MC1R gene.