Background and Aim: India has large varieties (recognized, unrecognized) of native chickens (Desi) scattered throughout the country, managed under scavenging system different from commercial chicken breeds. However, they are less investigated for genetic diversity they harbor. The present study was planned to evaluate genetic diversity among two native chicken populations of North Gujarat (proposed Aravali breed) and South Gujarat (Ankleshwar breed). Aravali chicken, a distinct population with unique characters different from the registered chicken breeds of India is under process to be registered as a new chicken breed of Gujarat, India.

Materials and Methods: Two mitochondrial markers, namely, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX I) and cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes were studied across 10 birds from each population. Methodology included sample collection (blood), DNA isolation (manual), polymerase chain reaction amplification of mitochondrial genes, Sanger sequencing, and purification followed by data analysis using various softwares.

Results: Haplotype analysis of the COX I gene unveiled a total eight and three haplotypes from the Aravali and Ankleshwar populations, respectively, with haplotype diversity (Hd) of 92.70 % for the Aravali and 34.50% for the Ankleshwar breed. Haplotype analysis of the Cyt b gene revealed a total of four haplotypes from the Aravali population with 60% Hd and no polymorphism in Ankleshwar breed. The phylogenetic analysis uncovered Red Jungle Fowl and Gray Jungle Fowl as prime roots for both populations and all domestic chicken breeds.

Conclusion: Study findings indicated high genetic variability in Aravali chicken populations with COX I mitochondrial marker being more informative for evaluating genetic diversity in chickens.

Keywords: Cytochrome b, Cytochrome oxidase, genetic diversity, mitochondrial DNA, phylogenetics, poultry.