Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

LD2668 .T4 1941 B41 / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-154).

The mitochondnal genome was screened for genetic variation associated with production traits in White Leghorns. Analysis was done on an unselected randomly mated population of White Leghorn chickens. An AsnI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was detected in the control region of the mitochondrial genome, a region responsible for transcription and replication. The RFLP segregated at a frequency of 0.76 for the AsnI (+) allele (presence of an AsnI restriction site). The AsnI RFLP was in linkage disequilibrium with a previously detected MspI RFLP in the NADH sub-unit IV of the mitochondrial genome for the same population of White Leghorns. Genotypes were denoted as follows: The first sign represented individuals that were positive (+) or negative (-) for the MspI restriction site, where as the second denoted whether individuals were positive or negative for the AsnI restriction site. Comparison of the three genotypic classes (+,+), (-,+) and (-,-) revealed that (-,-) individuals had a significantly higher body weight (5.5%) than individuals of the other genotypes. Dot blot analysis revealed no difference in the mitochondrial DNA copy number in peripheral blood cells between AsnI(-) or AsnI(+) individuals.

The incidences of endogenous viral genes (ev-genes) and myb-gene polymorphisms were determined in substrains of strains R, M and G which had been divergently selected or susceptibility to tumour formation induced by Rous Sarcoma virus (RSV) of type A and B. Frequencies of myb gene polymorphisms were also determined in two replicates of strains selected for high and low multiple immune response to challenge with Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Strains R, M and G were found to contain different sets of ev-genes reflecting their distinct genetic origins. Among eleven ev-genes identified, two showed a significantly increased frequency in the susceptible substrains. One was ev-6, which expresses the viral envelope protein of the endogenous avian leucosis, while the other was a new endogenous viral gene New-E, whose phenotype is unknown. A significant increased incidence of ev-4, reported to be a silent ev-gene, was observed in resistant rather than susceptible substrain. Myb gene polymorphisms were assessed using a cDNA probe and a genomic probe yielding 2 and 3 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) respectively. In strains M and G, only one polymorphism (PM5$ sp+$) observed at an Msp I site located downstream of the last of the c-myb exons was found to be significantly co-selected for susceptibility. Analysis of RFLPs of myb-gene in strains selected for high or low multiple immune response did not reveal any significant response to selection. Rather, polymorphisms seemed to reflect a founder effect as revealed by opposite frequencies obtained in the two replicates. DNA methylation, a possible epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression, was also investigated in the myb-gene. DNA from semen, blood, spleen, liver and thymus was extracted from organs obtained from chickens at different ages.

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Thesis (M.S.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: Calvin L. Keeler, Jr., Dept. of Animal & Food Sciences. Includes bibliographical references.

In 1957, strains 3 and 4, two highly selected but unrelated strains of Single Comb White Leghorn chickens from Agriculture Canada's Animal Research Station at Ottawa were crossed to establish the Agassiz strain (strain 6). Further selection was imposed on strain 6 for improvements in hen-housed egg production (HHEP) based on part-records to 273 days and maintenance of egg weight, fertility, hatchability and viability. Data from 1957 to 1963 were analysed utilizing the SAS programs. There were no significant improvements in performance for HHEP, but egg weight, fertility, hatchability and viability were maintained. The lack of response to selection for HHEP was probably due to the following reasons: 1) too many traits were considered in the selection program at the same time, 2) negative genetic correlations existed among the selected traits, 3) strict adherence to a selection scheme was not practiced, 4) most of the traits under selection had low heritabilities, 5) the duration of the study was not long enough, and 6) the population size of strain 6 may not have been large enough. There was a significant decrease in body weight at 365 days (-4.33 ± 0.48, p < 0.0009). This decrease may be because of selection within full-sibs for more refined birds with better conformation as parents of the next generation. There were significant decreases in egg specific gravity at 225 and 450 days, and in Haugh units at 225 days, although Haugh units were increasing when measured at 450 days. The mean h²s for HHEP was 0.45, and the mean h²s for egg production to 273 days was 0.20 and the mean h²d for the same trait was 0.33. The mean h²s and h²d estimates for egg weight at 225 days were 0.60 and 0.50, respectively. The mean h²s and h²d for age at sexual maturity were 0.22 and 0.33, respectively, and those for body weight at 365 days were 0.53 and 0.62, respectively. The mean h²s and h²d for egg specific gravity at 225 were 0.64 and 0.33, respectively while those for Haugh units at 225 days were 0.57 and 0.68, respectively. These estimates were consistent with those found in the literature. The sctual selection differentials showed that selection was positive for egg production, while those for egg weight at 225 days were zero, and those for body weight at 365 days showed that selection was in the downward direction on the sires. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate