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Rise of industrial chicken farming imperils genetic stock of the industry mongabay.com November 3, 2008
Comparing genetic markers known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in standard bird breeds and those from commercial breeders, William Muir and colleagues found that due to selective breeding practices, which select chickens for certain traits including egg-laying ability or meat production, commercial birds are missing more than half — and sometimes up to 90 percent — of the genetic diversity native to the species. The loss of genetic variability means that chickens are less able to adapt to outbreaks of disease and other risks.
"We suggest interbreeding some experimental commercial poultry lines with native or standard breeds as a backup plan, or ace in the hole, to help the industry meet future challenges, as traits such as disease resistance may be found among the rare alleles of other birds." William M. Muir et al (2008). Genome-wide assessment of worldwide chicken SNP genetic diversity indicates significant absence of rare alleles in commercial breeds. PNAS early edition for Nov 3, 2008 Related article Loss of livestock breeds put food supplies at risk in poor countries September 3, 2007 A number of rare livestock breeds face extinction, a prospects the weakens genetic diversity and could be the food supply at risk in some parts of the world, warns a new report from the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The group calls for the immediate establishment of genebanks to conserve reproductive material from the most threatened breeds.
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