Mhc-B haplotypes in “Campero-Inta” chicken synthetic line

Abstract

The major histocompatibility complex-B (MHC-B) in chickens is a cluster of genes located on chromosome 16. The chicken MHC-B is known to be highly associated with resistance to numerous diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasitic pathogens. Since the level of resistance varies with MHC-B haplotypes, identification and classification of different haplotypes within lines is important for sustaining lines. The “Campero-INTA” chicken breed is a meat-type free-range poultry breed that was developed specifically for small producers in Argentina. Campero-INTA was started by selection in populations produced by crosses between a variety of established lines. MHC-B variation was examined in 65 samples obtained in 2002 using the VNTR marker LEI0258, a marker for MHC-B region. These samples plus and an additional 55 samples from 2018 were examined for variation using the MHC-B specific SNP panel that encompasses ∼230,000bp of the MHC-B region. Eleven MHC-B SNP haplotypes with 6 LEI0258 alleles were identified in the 120 samples representing the Campero-INTA AH (male) line. Seven haplotypes originate from the breeds originally used in the development of Campero-INTA AH line. Two appear to be recombinant haplotypes. The origin of the remaining 2 is not known, but may be associated with genes introduced from crosses with the Fayoumi breed conducted more recently to sustain the line.