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The major histocompatibility complex and its role in poultry production

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

Jean E. Sander
Affiliation:
Department of Avian Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia 30602-4875, USA
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Abstract

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a group of genes present in all vertebrates. The chicken MHC is broken into three distinct regions, each of which codes for certain gene products. These antigens are known to influence a variety of biological functions including fowl cholera, Marek's disease, Rous sarcoma virus, lymphoid leukosis and coccidiosis. Fertility, embryonic mortality, hatchability, and egg production are some of the production parameters linked to this gene complex. Blood groups serve as markers for these regions, offering a means of genetic screening.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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