SHIBRU TEKLE TULU2024-04-032024-04-032023-01The present study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structures of three Ethiopian local chickens, namely Horro, Jarso, and Tilili, using 16 SSR markers. In addition, the Koekoek breed was used for comparison purposes. Chicken populations were purposively selected and a total of 95 individuals were selected using simple random sampling. Genomic DNA was extracted using a salting-out protocol. Different molecular markers and statistical parameters were used to estimate the genetic diversity and relationship among the genetic groups studied. A total of 97 alleles have been detected, with an average value of 6.062 alleles per locus, and 16 alleles were unique to specific chicken populations. Polymorphic information content ranged from (0.54) MCW0183 to (0.85) LEI0166, with an average value of 0.67 per locus. Across all studied populations, the mean observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.026 and 0.60, respectively. The Shannon information index varied from(I = 0.83) MCW0098 to (I = 1.57) LEI0166. AMOVA showed that genetic variance varied by 15% among populations, 82% within populations, and 3% within individuals. According to UPGMA, the Horro and Tilili populations were grouped, while the Jarso population was distinct and the Koekoek breed was distinct as expected. The studied population showed high genetic diversity within populations, and the Jarso ecotype showed the highest genetic diversity and a number of unique alleles. The SSR markers used in this finding were polymorphic and useful for determining the genetic variation of Ethiopian local chicken ecotypes. The information obtained will be used for genetic conservation and national breeding program efforts.enIndigenous chickensgenetic diversitysimple sequence repeat markerThesis