SINGLE NUCLEOTIDES POLYMORPHISMS WITHIN THE THE D-LOOP REGION OF MITOCHONDRIA DNA OF NIGERIA LOCAL GUINEA FOWL

This study was carried out on a total of 20 Guinea fowl and samples were collected from Oracle farm at Terwase Abadu junction gboko raod makurdi beune. This study seeks to identify and characterize Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA of Nigerian local Guinea fowl populations to better understand the genetic diversity and population structure of this species. Blood samples were collected from twenty (20) guinea fowl with the use of FTA classical cards. Blood collected was transferred onto the FTA classical cards by dropping it on the concentric circular motion within the printed circle area. The samples were allowed to dry at room temperature and then put in a sealed plastic bag containing silicegel beads. Extreme temperature was avoided. Following this, samples were transported to the laboratory for analysis. DNA was Extracted and after the sequence were received the were reviewed and edited using Chroma’s software. The results of this study revealed 47 SNPs in the studied region. Out of this 47 SNPs substitution were the most common follow by deletion and insertion. 40 substitutions, 16 deletions and 8 insertions were observed respectively. It was concluded in this study that the most common mutation type is substitution indicating that Nigerain Guinea fowl are diversed and it is recommended that the finding of this research can be used for the genetic improvement of Guinea fowl, either through cross breeding and other molecular engineering processes