Identification of polymorphisms in plumage color related genes in Korean Native Ducks

Identification of genetic polymorphisms in the genes related to plumage color and elucidation of their associations with plumage phenotypes are important for the selection of desirable plumage colors. The aim of this study is to identify candidate genetic polymorphisms conferring white plumage color to select ducks with desirable plumage colors. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in 4 candidate genes, namely the Agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP), Dopachrome tautomerase gene (DCT), Melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R), and Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor gene (MITF), were investigated in forty birds, of which 20 were colored Korean native ducks and 20 were white-colored commercial ducks. Twenty-one primer pairs were designed to amplify entire exons along with partial introns of the 4 genes, and the PCR products were sequenced. A total of 83 polymorphisms were identified in these genes. We identified 8 and 36 SNPs in the ASIP and MITF genes, respectively. Thirty polymorphisms, comprising of 4 non-synonymous SNPs, were identified in the DCT gene. Two non-synonymous SNPs were identified in the MC1R gene. Two genetic variations [(c.726C>T and g.10585-88→AATC (4-bp indel)] in the DCT gene revealed significant associations with the 2 different colored breeds (P<0.001). The results of this study, after further verifications of the candidate SNPs, can be helpful for the selection of Korean native ducks with desirable plumage colors.