LESSONS FROM CHICKEN GENOME MAPPING

USDA-ARS Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, 3606 E. Mount Hope Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 USA

Poultry is the third largest agricultural commodity in the U.S. and at 41%, the main meat consumed. In order for molecular selection to occur in poultry, analogous to the Human Genome Project, fundamental tools need to be developed, and subsequently applied to gene identification and commercial poultry breeding. Through initial support from Michigan State University followed by additional resources allocated in 1991 by the USDA-ARS, a collaborative project was begun in East Lansing (EL) to generate a chicken genetic map and other resources. Additionally, in 1993, the EL group was selected by the USDA NAGRP to coordinate poultry mapping activies. The logistics of coordinating diverse groups and planning future efforts will be discussed.