SNPRBb: economically important trait specific SNP resources of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

Throughout Asian countries including India, water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) plays a crucial role in socio-economic status of the farmers by providing nutritional security. The concept of genomic selection through genetic markers has been widely used in various livestock species and this is extended to buffalo species as well. Molecular markers have been extensively used in animal breeding for improvements of desirable animal traits. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), one of the important molecular markers is widely used in animal breeding program. In this study, SNPs related to four important traits of buffalo i.e., milk volume, age at first calving, post-partum cyclicity and feed conversion efficiency have been identified based on genome sequence data generated using ddRAD (double digest Restriction-site Associated DNA) sequencing technology. These identified SNPs have been compiled as database accessible through Web and can be used in molecular breeding program of buffalo species. This database facilitates easy search of SNPs, Polymorphic Loci and Haplotypes along with their important features like minor and major allele frequencies, observed and expected heterozygosity, observed and expected homozygosity and nucleotide diversity. This database will help to accelerate the molecular breeding program for developing trait specific breeds of buffalo to meet the need of food and nutritional security of the world including India.