Study of genetic diversity of Thai native buffaloes using mitochondrial DNA marker

Abstract

The aim of this study was to study diversity and genetic classification of Thai native buffaloes using mitochondrial DNA marker. From 165 buffaloes of 6 different habitats of Thailand represented by Chaingrai (C, n=30), Khon Kaen (K, n=39), Surin (S, n=29), Uthaithani (U, n=26), Nakhon Si Thammarat (N, n=17) and Trang province (T, n=24), 300 bp fragments of mtDNA (D-loop) were successfully amplified. Analysis of mtDNA (D-loop) sequences revealed 7 different haplotypes resulting from 32 polymorphic sites and one insertion-deletion. This result showed that Thai native buffaloes have flourishing of genetic diversity. The phylogenetic tree analysis from Nei’s genetic distance and characteristics of habitat revealed that Thai native buffaloes could be classified into 3 groups: (1) mountain buffalo: the Chiangrai native buffaloes, (2) ocean buffalo: the Trang native buffaloes, and (3) river basin buffalo: the Khon Kaen, Surin, Uthaithani, Nakhon Si Thammarat native buffaloes. The analysis of genetic structure showed moderate genetic differentiation between six groups (Gst = 0.257). The information generated by this study will greatly aid in the establishment of effective breeding programs and conservation genetics of Thai native buffaloes.