Significant genomic introgression from grey junglefowl(Gallus sonneratii)to domestic chickens(Gallus gallus domesticus)

Background Chicken is one of the most numerous and widely distributed species around the world,and many studies support the multiple ancestral origins of domestic chickens.The research regarding the yellow skin phenotype in domestic chickens(regulated by BCO2)likely originating from the grey junglefowl serves as crucial evidence for demonstrating the multiple origins of chickens.However,beyond the BCO2 gene region,much remains unknown about the introgression from the grey junglefowl into domestic chickens.Therefore,in this study,based on wholegenome data of 149 samples including 4 species of wild junglefowls and 13 local domestic chicken breeds,we explored the introgression events from the grey junglefowl to domestic chickens.Results We successfully detected introgression regions besides BCO2,including two associated with growth trait(IGFBP2 and TKT),one associated with angiogenesis(TIMP3)and two members of the heat shock protein family(HSPB2 and CRYAB).Our findings suggest that the introgression from the grey junglefowl may impact the growth performance of chickens.Furthermore,we revealed introgression events from grey junglefowl at the BCO2 region in multiple domestic chicken breeds,indicating a phenomenon where the yellow skin phenotype likely underwent strong selection and was retained.Additionally,our haplotype analysis shed light on BCO2 introgression event from different sources of grey junglefowl into domestic chickens,possibly suggesting multiple genetic flows between the grey junglefowl and domestic chickens.Conclusions In summary,our findings provide evidences of the grey junglefowl contributing to the genetic diversity of domestic chickens,laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of the genetic composition within domestic chickens,and offering new perspectives on the impact of introgression on domestic chickens.

Aphrodisiac potential of Polyalthia bullata (Tongkat Ali) in fowl

Objective:To study the aphrodisiac potential of Polyalthia(P.)bullata in fowl.Methods:In this study,testosterone,as an indicator of the aphrodisiac potential of P.bullata,was investigated for its release from TM3 Leydig cells grown in vitro and in 4 fowls given capsules containing P.bullata at a dose of 10 mg in each capsule twice a day,for 50 days.In the latter in vivo evaluation,mating behaviours were additionally determined after the treated fowls were released to the individual hens,and their testes and liver were dissected for histological examinations.Blood drawn from the fowls was assessed for any changes in diagnostic parameters.Results:In the in vitro test(TM3 Leydig cells),P.bullata was able to increase testosterone to 0.48 nmol/L within 72 h of incubation,compared to the untreated control with only 0.18 nmol/L,i.e.,an increase of 170%.In the in vivo test,outcomes in the fowls dosed with P.bullata showed similar positive elevations of testosterone to(9.72±1.10)nmol/L in comparison to the controls that showed a level of only(4.05±0.84)nmol/L.Total frequencies of mating behaviours were observed(wing flapping,body shakes,crowing and beak pecking)to be 23 counts for the test compared to only 15 for the control fowls.Histological examination of the male reproductive organs provided evidence of testosterone boosting based on an observable increase in the activity at the seminiferous tubules of testis tissues without any damaging effects,compared to the controls.In the nine diagnostic blood parameters assessed,including alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and gamma glutamyltransferase,none was remarkably elevated compared to the controls.The histological changes in the liver were not severe and mainly consisted of only localized moderate but recoverable obstructions and swellings of the vessels and tubules.Conclusions:P.bullata is able to boost testosterone both in vitro and in vivo,with no acute toxicities.