Purpose:

This study aimed at determining genetic variants of prolactin gene in the Muscovy and Mallard ducks in Nigeria, and to evaluate the genetic relatedness or diversity of the duck species at the exon 5 of Prolactin (PRL) gene loci in the two selected Duck breeds, by determining the genetic polymorphisms, genetic parameters and genetic variation in the duck breeds. 80 adult ducks sourced from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states of Nigeria, were used for this study.

Method:

Blood samples (2ml) collected by jugular venipuncture from the ducks, using sterile needles and syringes, were stored in ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) bottles, to prevent coagulation and preserve the integrity of the samples, were transported in ice packs, to the laboratory for analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples, amplified using PCR were digested using HinfI Restriction Enzyme. The data were analyzed using POPGENE 1.32 software.

Results:

Two alleles with frequencies A (0.1034, 0.2188), B (0.8966, 0.7812), and three genotypes with frequencies AA (0.0000, 1.0000), AB (6.0000, 5.0000) and BB (23.000, 10.0000) were identified at the Exon 5 of of PRL gene in Mallard and Muscovy ducks respectively. Indicating that prolactin gene was polymorphic in both populations. The Chi-square test (0.367, 0.2381) suggests that the populations conforms to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Also, noted were observed heterozygosity (0.2069, 0.3125) and expected heterozygosity (0.1887, 0.3528).

Conclusion:

The sampled populations were polymorphic for PRL gene at exon 5, and are also in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, based on the observed parameters and statistical analysis. The values of observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity, indicates higher genetic variation within the Mallard breed population, compared to the Muscovy population, which can be attributed to inbreeding. This indicates the need for Genetic intervention to prevent this indigenous breed of ducks from extinction.