MOLECULAR-PHENOTYPIC ANALYSIS AND EFFICIENCY OF CROSSING ON MEAT PRODUCTION IN LOCAL CHICKEN STRAINS

DNA was extracted from blood of developed local stains of chicken; Bandara, Gimmizah, and their crossing (Bandara x Gimmizah and Gimmizah x Bandara). RAPD-PCR technique was applied to detect genetic similarity as a band sharing (BS) among chicken hybrids and their parents using nine short oligonucleiotides primers. The genetic similarity as BS-values was calculated and ranged from 68 to 91%. Bandara male with Gimmizah female appeared positive heterosis at 8 wks of age. However, evidence from this study indicated that crossing of the developed local hens is capable of rapidly improving the body weight of their progeny during the marketing age. This study reflected the ability of RAPD-PCR for establishing the association between genetic similarity as a band sharing and heterosis (hybrid vigor)