A comparative genetic map of the turkey genome

Abstract

Genetic markers (microsatellites and SNPs) were used to create and compare maps of the turkey and chicken genomes. A physical map of the chicken genome was built by comparing sequences of turkey markers with the chicken whole-genome sequence by BLAST analysis. A genetic linkage map of the turkey genome (Meleagris gallopavo) was developed by segregation analysis of genetic markers within the University of Minnesota/Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms (UMN/NTBF) resource population. This linkage map of the turkey genome includes 314 loci arranged into 29 linkage groups. An additional 40 markers are tentatively placed within linkage groups based on two-point LOD scores and 16 markers remain unlinked. Total map distance contained within linkage groups is 2,011 cM with the longest linkage group (47 loci) measuring 413.3 cM. Average marker interval over the 29 linkage groups was 6.4 cM. All but one turkey linkage group could be aligned with the physical map of the chicken genome. The present genetic map of the turkey provides a comparative framework for future genomic studies.