Determination of chromosomal regions affecting body weight and egg production in Denizli X White Leghorn F2 populations

Aim: The objective of the present study was identification of the chromosomal regions responsible for egg yield and body weight at different age periods in a Denizli and White Leghorn F2 population.

Materials and Methods: An experimental F2 population was constructed by crossing Denizli and White Leghorn breeds and the yields of the animals were recorded. In chromosomal scanning trials, a total of 113 microsatellite markers, suitable for use in quantitative trait locus (QTL) gene mapping, were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in F0, F1 and F2 animals.

Results: Data obtained in the present study demonstrated that QTL regions associated with body weight at different age periods were located on chromosome 1 (GGA1), GGA2 and GGA4. It was determined that, two different QTL regions affecting egg yield existed, on GGA8 and the sex chromosome (GGAZ). Three different QTL regions located on the chromosomes GGA2, GGA4 and GGAZ were associated with egg weight.

Conclusion: There is a need for narrowing these QTL regions by typing new markers in these intervals and for identifying genes that have affect on these economically important traits.