The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Libyan Chicken and Phylogenetic Analysis
Abstract
The Libyan chicken is a vital resource for rural populations, especially in the northern parts of the country. Libyan indigenous chicken breeds are known for their ability to survive and adapt to adverse environmental conditions, making them an important resource for regional poultry production. Despite the importance of these breeds, little is known about their genetic composition. In this work, the complete genome of Libyan chicken was comprehensively studied using pylogenetic analysis, which provides long-read sequencing and the potential to capture complex genome architecture. The study examined 28 genomic datasets using the MEGA (molecular evolutionary genetics analysis) tool, which allows for determining structural changes, genetic variations, and evolutionary relationships within the breed. The outcomes showed that the mitochondria genome in Libyan chickens is well-organized despite having a genetic diversity which makes them divergent from the commercial breeds. The phylogenetic study also showed that Libyan chickens have an intermediate ancestral lineage with the Asian indigenous breeds and formed their own separate genetic lineages. The evidence above proves that the mitochondrial genome structure of the Libyan chicken is unique.
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