A proteomic approach to study local chicken breeds characterization

Aim of this study is to apply a proteomic approach for characterization of local chicken breeds. The experiment involved a total of 29 males of Pépoi, Padovana, and Ermellinata local chicken breeds. Sarcoplasmic protein fractions of breast muscle were analysed by bidimensional electrophoresis. Image analysis followed by statistical analysis enabled to differentiate groups of individuals on the similarities of protein expression. Individuals were distinguished into clusters and groups, corresponding to the breed of origin. Results evidenced a possible utilisation of proteomic approach in the field of breed characterization studies as an alternative to genomic analyses performed using molecular markers, both for breed and product traceability purposes.