Microsatellite variability and its relationship with growth, egg production, and immunocompetence traits in chickens.

Variability of microsatellites and a possible relationship with growth, egg production, and immunocompetence traits were estimated for six crossbred chicken populations of White Leghorn. Nine microsatellite markers were explored; an association study used the least square maximum-likelihood method on 170 birds of six genetic groups. Seven microsatellites were polymorphic, with two to four alleles. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of five markers was more than 52%. Microsatellites MCW0041, ADL0210, and MCW0110 were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with egg production traits. Genotype 33 of MCW0041 had the highest egg production, up to 64 and 72 weeks of age. Genotypes 11 and 13 of this marker produced the lowest number of eggs. The heterozygous genotype 34 of ADL0210 had the highest egg production, up to 52, 64, and 72 weeks of age. Homozygote 11 of MCW0110 produced the highest number of eggs, up to 28 weeks of age. MCW0041 was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with body weight at 28 and 40 weeks of age. No microsatellite was significantly associated with egg weight at any age, with age at sexual maturity, or with immune response to sheep RBC.