Assessment of genetic differences in animals as exemplified by representatives of the genus <i>Camelus</i>

Abstract

Data on the genetic variability of genomic DNA from two species of camels (Dromedary and Bactrian) are presented. It is noted that these animal species are of great importance in a number of southern countries, they are used as farm animals (milk, meat, wool), as draft, riding and sports animals. At present, much attention is paid to the study of camels in order to identify their genetic characteristics that can be used in breeding work. One of the research methods is multilocus analysis using labeled oligonucleotide probes. The latter selectively hybridize in separate regions of genomic DNA, leading to the appearance of specific genetic profiles characteristic of each individual. Labeling the probe with digoxigenin makes it possible to detect the results of hybridization on the filter. After the reaction of molecular hybridization of the probe with genomic DNA of camels, from 3 to 15 DNA fragments were detected, while the pattern of hybridization was very different in Dromedaries and Bactrians, which indicates a significant genetic difference in the organization of genomes. The coefficient of similarity of individuals in Bactrians was significantly higher than in Dromedaries (0.48 versus 0.39); interspecific similarity coefficient in this parameter was only 0.13. The calculation of the genetic distance between populations gave a rather high value of 0.305, which is significantly higher than the previously obtained data on cattle (from 0.05 to 0.10). Intrapopulation genetic diversity was assessed by the criterion of average heterozygosity. Calculations showed greater genetic diversity in the dromedary population (H = 0.72), which was indirectly confirmed by a lower similarity coefficient in this group of animals.