20 hours Ago By Korea Bizwire
Scientists decode genome of Indigenous Long-Tailed Chicken,known as the “Ginkkoridak.” (Image courtesy of Rural Development Administration) JEONJU, South Korea, April 3 (Korea Bizwire) — In a global first, South Korean researchers have successfully completed the full genomic mapping of the country’s native long-tailed chicken breed, known as the “Ginkkoridak,” revealing the genetic basis behind its famously elongated tail feathers. Ginkkoridak (Image courtesy of RDA) The collaborative effort by the Rural Development Administration (RDA) and Seoul National University marks a scientific milestone in the preservation and study of rare livestock genetics.
According to the RDA, the team compared the DNA of a single male Ginkkoridak with that of 40 other chicken breeds worldwide to construct a comprehensive pangenome —a genetic reference that encompasses both core and breed-specific variations. Through this analysis, researchers identified 36,818 genetic mutations across the Ginkkoridak genome, including over 3,000 mutations related to feather growth and structure, primarily located on chromosomes 1 through 4 and the Z sex chromosome. The findings establish an international genetic benchmark for comparing Korea’s Ginkkoridak with other long-tailed breeds, such as Japan’s Onagadori and Germany’s Phoenix.
The full genomic data has been deposited with the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and the study has been published in Scientific Data , a journal under the Nature publishing group.
Known for its distinctive tail feathers that can exceed one meter in length, the Ginkkoridak is officially recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and listed in its Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS). “This study is a critical breakthrough in confirming that the long-tailed trait is genetically inherited over generations,” said Professor Hee-Bal Kim of Seoul National University. “It provides a valuable foundation for further scientific research into the breed’s unique characteristics.
” Jung Hyun-jung, a senior official at the National Institute of Animal Science, added, “This research not only sheds light on the Ginkkoridak’s genetic heritage but also paves the way for its long-term conservation. We expect these findings to support a broad range of future studies.” The Ginkkoridak, once on the brink of extinction, has been the focus of national preservation efforts since the early 2000s.
The new genomic map is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding and revitalizing Korea’s unique poultry heritage well into 2026 and beyond. Lina Jang ( [email protected] ).
