Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationship among three Duck Breeds and Geese using RAPD Markers

Poultry and poultry products are the most economical protein sources for the ever-increasing human population and to meet the future food security. While these are promising food sources, the importance of genetically improved avian species in the breeding programme has increased significantly. In this study, we applied randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) methodology to elucidate genetic variations and degree of relatedness among native Egyptian breed of geese and ducks (Muscovy, Sudani and White Pekin). In this regard, 19 random primers were designed and screened and a total of 16 primers produced a total of 189 reproducible amplified fragments. The 169 DNA bands were polymorphic with percentage presentation of 89.41, however, OPA04 and OPA03 primers have generated high polymorphic bands. Several primers have produced bands, which were specific for each tested species, suggesting their potential to be used as a species- or breed-marker. Phylogenetic tree, based on the linkage distance, revealed close relationships among Geese, Muscovy and Sudani duck breeds, however, White Pekin showed a clear distance from rest of the studied breeds. Taken together, presented results provide foundation studies for the selection of breeds under limited resource settings.