Managing genetic diversity in breeding programs of small populations: the case of French local chicken breeds.

ABSTRACT:

Background

On-going climate change will drastically modify agriculture in the future, with a need for more sustainable systems, in particular regarding animal production. In this context, genetic diversity is a key factor for adaptation to new conditions: local breeds likely harbor unique adaptive features and represent a key component of diversity to reach resilience. However, local breeds often suffer from small population sizes, which puts these valuable resources at risk of extinction. In chickens, population management programs were initiated a few decades ago in France, relying on a particular niche market that aims at promoting and protecting local breeds. We conducted a unique comprehensive study of 22 French local breeds, along with four commercial lines, to evaluate their

SUBMITTER: Restoux G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9347113 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature