3-Title: Genetic divergence in Kasaragod and Vilwadri cattle of Kerala detected using microsatellites

Authors: Radhika G, Aravindakshan TV, Anilkumar K, Manoj M, Stephy Thomas and Jayaprakash G

Source: Ruminant Science (2021)-10(1):13-18.

How to cite this manuscript: Radhika G, Aravindakshan TV, Anilkumar K, Manoj M, Stephy Thomas and Jayaprakash G (2021). Genetic divergence in Kasaragod and Vilwadri cattle of Kerala detected using microsatellites. Ruminant Science 10(1):13-18.

Abstract

Native cattle breeds are noted for their adaptability to local environments, resistance to local diseases and form an integral part of the culture and heritage of a geographical area. Kerala, the southernmost state of India, has only one recognized cattle breed, the legendary Vechur cattle, but other native cattle genetic groups like Kasaragod, Vadakara and Vilwadri also contribute to the cattle genetic biodiversity of the state. These animals are generally short in stature and have specific characteristics of their own, but are poor milk producers and hence the demand for milk production in the state is mainly met by the crossbred cattle. The native cattle genetic groups namely, Vechur, Kasaragod, Vadakara and Vilwadri along with high, medium and low milk producing crossbred cattle, were analysed for genetic diversity using microsatellites. Twenty-five microsatellite markers were chosen from the FAO-ISAG panel and these chosen loci were amplified from genomic DNA isolated from whole blood, by multiplex PCR with fluorescent-labelled primers. After genotyping, allelic microsatellite data obtained were analysed using different softwares. The Nei’s genetic distance and identity between the cattle populations studied revealed that the genetic distance was highest between Vilwadri and high yielding crossbred. Vilwadri remained distant from all other cattle populations studied, whereas Kasaragod was genetically distant from Vilwadri and all groups of crossbreds. The dendrogram depicted that Vechur, Vilwadri and Kasaragod cattle separated into distinct populations, diverging from the rest of the studied ones. The observed number of alleles, heterozygosity and the number of private alleles were more in Vilwadri and Kasaragod populations. The results of the present study thus supported the fact that Kasaragod and Vilwadri cattle were genetically divergent from the rest of the studied cattle populations in the state.

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