Molecular characterization of Kenkatha and Gaolao (Bos indicus) cattle breeds using microsatellite markers

One hundred forty–five individuals from two cattle breeds, Kenkatha and Gaolao, in India were studied using 25 fluorescently–labelled microsatellite markers. Genetic diversities within and between populations were studied. A total of 197 and 239 distinct alleles were identified across 25 microsatellite loci in Kenkatha and Gaolao cattle, respectively. Means of observed and expected heterozygosity were found to be 0.47 ± 0.24 and 0.62 ± 0.21 in Kenkatha, and 0.53 ± 0.17 and 0.68 ± 0.14 in Gaolao cattle, respectively. The average PIC (Polymorphic Information Content) value was found to be 0.59 ± 0.21 for Kenkatha and 0.65 ± 0.15 for Gaolao cattle. The mean fixation index (FIS) was 0.2121 for Gaolao and 0.2248 for Kenkatha cattle. Mean FIS, mean FIT and mean FST (F–statistics) values were found to be 0.2318, 0.2487 and 0.0219, respectively. Nei’s standard genetic distance value between Kenkatha and Gaolao breeds was 0.0852. The present study indicates that there is a substantial shortfall, 21.21% and 22.48%, of heterozygotes in Gaolao and Kenkatha cattle populations, respectively; and little genetic differentiation (2.19%) between the two breeds.

Key words: Kenkatha cattle, Gaolao cattle, Microsatellite markers.