Mapping the chicken genome

Most economically important traits are genetically complex and controlled by numerous genes. A quality genetic map is a prerequisite for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) that contain the genes involved in these traits. Currently, there are two internationally recognized reference families that are used to build genetic maps. In this paper, the East Lansing (EL) genetic map is described in detail. Presently, the EL genetic map contains 617 genetic markers, of which 589 are resolved into 41 linkage groups. The map coverage within linkage groups is over 2,700 cM, which is about the estimated size of the chicken genome. There are 322 microsatellite markers, which greatly enhances the utility of this genetic map for genome-wide QTL searches. Also, 101 genes have been mapped, which will aid in the development of a comparative map. Further efforts to improve the genetic map and the potential for the map to identify QTL are discussed.