Comparative genomics reveals common diversity and adaptation to harsh environments in the Arabian Peninsula indigenous chickens.

ABSTRACT: Identifying genomic regions under selection is crucial for comprehending the evolutionary history of the domestic chicken. Arabian Peninsula (AP) indigenous chickens are mostly found outdoors, being reared alongside other livestock for production purposes. These birds show high resilience to extreme temperatures (hot and cold), typical of the desert environment. The selection pressures responsible for unique local adaptations in these birds remain largely unidentified. Here, we aimed to investigate the genome diversity and structure of 15 indigenous chicken populations including 13 populations from the AP (n = 5), Ethiopia (n = 6), and the People's Republic of China (n = 2). We also included two commercial chicken populations, Fayoumi (selected for heat tolerance) and Chantecler (known for

SUBMITTER: Assiri A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12046372 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature