• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.117-125
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• 2024

This study aimed to find genetic markers for breed-independent identification of early- and late-feathering chickens. We explored the novel sequences of the ev21-K locus associated with late-feathering and investigated its characterization. Additionally, the genetic transmission pattern of the identified sequences were investigated to understand its potential application in auto-sexing lines. A total of 707 chickens from 5 chicken breeds were employed for the study. The ev21-K locus was identified through a comparative analysis of the ev21 gene and the K gene related to feather development. For analysis of identified loci, specific primers for the target sequences were prepared and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to obtain the products, and then their nucleotide sequences were analyzed. Crossbreeding tests of early-feathering and late-feathering chickens were conducted to examine the genetic transmission patterns of the identified sequences. The results showed that the identified 230 bp ev21-K locus, which named as ev21-related K specific sequences were 99% homology with the ev21 gene. PCR analysis confirmed its presence exclusively in late-feathering chickens. Comparative analyses across tissues, breeds, and ages demonstrated the sequences consistency in identifying late-feathering chickens. Genetic transmission patterns were investigated through crossbreeding tests, revealing sex-linked inheritance and consistent segregation with feathering phenotypes. The inheritance patterns of the ev21-related K specific sequences demonstrated that this locus follows the typical Mendelian inheritance pattern as a dominant gene. In conclusion, the novel sequences of ev21-K locus were a reliable molecular marker for identifying early- and late-feathering chickens across breeds.