Project Duration: Date of Start: 1st April, 2021 Likely Date of Completion: 31st March, 2024
Turkey (Meleagaris gallopavo) is mostly reared for meat purpose and is considered as one of the alternates to chicken. As per 20th Livestock census (2019) the population of turkey has been increased by 55% over last census (19th, 2012). They are found in good numbers in Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Turkey is very popular among health conscious people because of its lean meat. Turkey birds grow very rapidly, but are not a good converter of feed to meat.
Objectives:
To assess the polymorphism pattern of candidate genes associated with growth, metabolism and feed efficiency in turkey poults (Meleagris gallopavo).
To study the dynamics of gastro-intestinal microbial population and their association with feed efficiency traits of turkey poults.
Identification of marker (s) gene and microbiome taxonomy if any for incorporation in selection programme for development of feed efficient turkey line.
Expected Output:
Molecular breeding, utilizing identified genetic marker (s) in genetic improvement program for increasing feed efficiency of Turkey.
A genotype-index would be developed by combining more candidate genes used in this study, which have shown high association with improved feed efficiency traits.
Identification of microbial strains favoring gut health.
Isolation of probiotic strain for suitable for turkey feeding.
Read more: https://cari.icar.gov.in/inst_icar.php
