Specific pathogen-free ducks are important high-grade laboratory animals, with a key role in research related to poultry biosecurity, production, and breeding. However, the genetic characteristics of experimental duck varieties remain poorly explored. Herein we performed whole-genome resequencing to construct a single nucleotide polymorphism genetic map of the genomes of 3 experimental duck varieties [Jinding ducks ( JD ), Shaoxing ducks ( SX ), and Fujian Shanma ducks ( SM )] to determine their genetic characteristics and identify selection signatures. Subsequent analyses of population structure and genetic diversity revealed that each duck variety formed a monophyletic group, with SM showing richer genetic diversity than JD and SX. Further, on exploring shared selection signatures, we found 2 overlapping genomic regions on chromosome Z of all experimental ducks, which comprised immune response-related genes ( IL7R and IL6ST ). Moreover, growth and skeletal development ( IGF1R and GDF5 ), meat quality ( FoxO1 ), and stress resistance ( HSP90B1 and Gpx8-b ) candidate gene loci were identified in strongly selected signatures specific to JD, SM, and SX, respectively. Our results identified the population genetic basis of experimental ducks at the whole-genome level, providing a framework for future molecular investigations of genetic variations and phenotypic changes. We believe that such studies will eventually contribute to the management of experimental animal resources.
【저자키워드】 single nucleotide polymorphisms, Genetic characteristics, laboratory ducks, selection signature, whole-genome resequencing,