The idiosyncratic genome of Korean long-tailed chicken as a valuable genetic resource

The study on Korean long-tailed chickens (KLC) revealed their unique genetic profile, distinguishing them from other chicken breeds. By sequencing the genomes of 20 KLC and comparing them with 128 other chicken genomes, researchers identified specific genomic regions associated with the long-tail phenotype, including areas enriched with feather keratin 1-like genes. The findings highlighted the genetic uniqueness of KLC, which had been bred in Korea for over 1,700 years, and suggested its potential as a valuable genetic resource for ornamental chicken breeding. The study provided insights into the genetic basis of long-tail traits, which could aid in precision crossbreeding for ornamental chicken productivity. Despite KLC's distinct traits, its genetic diversity and effective population size were comparable to commercial breeds, indicating a robust genetic profile. The research suggested that changes in gene regulation, particularly in the feather keratin 1-like gene family, contributed to the long-tail trait, and emphasized the importance of maintaining KLC's genetic integrity to preserve its unique characteristics.