Indian Breeds Research Articles

​Heat Stress-induced Changes in Milk Composition and Physiological Responses of Lactating Kankrej Cow during Summer Season as Compared to Thermo-neutral Period

Background: The Kankrej cattle is the heaviest and most priced of the Indian breeds of cattle. It is adapted to the geo-climatic conditions of North Gujarat and Kutch, which is normally hot and dry. It is reared in the district of Banaskantha in the state of Gujarat and also distributed in other parts of India and abroad. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of the summer season on the milk composition and physiological responses in lactating Kankrej cow compared to the thermoneutral period. Methods: For the experiment, total number of 16 clinically healthy Kankrej cows were randomly selected from Livestock Research Station (LRS), Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, Gujarat and categorized into two different groups according to seasons. Physiological responses i.e. respiration rate and rectal temperature were recorded and milk samples were collected from each animal during the summer and thermoneutral period at fortnight intervals. The milk samples were analyzed by using an automated milk analyzer. Result: The results demonstrate that fat, SNF and density were significantly higher in the summer season. The physiological responses include respiration rate and rectal temperature were found significantly higher during summer than thermoneutral period. Milk protein was significantly higher during the thermo-neutral period as compared to summer.

Genetic admixture and population structure analysis of Indian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using STR markers.

India has a vast riverine and swamp buffalo diversity adapted to various agro-ecological conditions. In the present study, genetic diversity data for 10 different buffalo populations of India, using 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers has been generated for the genetic diversity analysis. The buffalo populations of Eastern Odisha state, were the primary focus. The minimal spanning network based on Bruvo's distance, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) based on the Fst (Fixation Index) values, and genetic admixture analysis using both the STRUCTURE and 'snapclust' were performed. The analysis could identify the Manda population as distinct from other Odisha buffalo breeds as well as adjoining Chhattisgarhi buffalo breeds. The total observed number of alleles ranged between 143 (Manda) and 301 (Paralakhemundi) with an average of 204 alleles per breed. The Sambhalpuri buffalo population also clustered into two separate subpopulations, half of the unique sub-population located geographically south-wards, displayed no admixture with any of the adjacent buffalo populations. The Manda buffalo population has shown sufficient allelic richness and heterozygosity under random mating being practiced in the field conditions. The study has led to the identification of the Manda as a distinct buffalo population, and the germplasm has been registered as a new Indian buffalo breed. Whereas, the Sambhalpuri population requires elaborate analysis to confirm the existence of two distinct sub-populations.

Morphometric characteristics and microsatellite markers based diversity and differentiation recognizes the first prospective cattle breed from the Jharkhand state of India

India is bestowed with immense cattle biodiversity with 50 registered breeds. However, the majority (59.3%) is yet not characterized. Identification and characterization are the gateways to the management of prized indigenous resources. Present research described a unique cattle population of Jharkhand state, managed under a traditional low-input, low-output system. It was characterized by morphological traits, performance parameters, and management practices. Animals have the characteristic pre-scapular location of the hump. Genetic variation within this population and its differentiation with the six closely distributed cattle breeds were evaluated using FAO recommended microsatellite markers. Jharkhandi cattle have substantial genetic variation based on gene diversity (>0.6) and the average number of alleles per locus (>8). The population did not suffer from a genetic bottleneck in the recent past. Pairwise Nei’s genetic distance, phylogenetic relationship, population differentiation, and the correct assignment of all the animals to self group substantiated its separate genetic identity. Since gene flow (Nm = 2.8–7.32) was identified and admixture was indicated by the Bayesian analysis there is a pressing need for scientific management of this population. Results endow authorities with critical information for registering a new Indian cattle breed (Medini) that contributes to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural tribal households.

Prevalence of dental calculus, dental caries, attrition rate among Indian breeds of buffaloes in Tamilnadu

Aim: To assess the prevalence of dental caries, Attrition, Gingivitis, periodontitis and dental recession in various breeds of buffaloes. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Buffaloes to evaluate the prevalence of oral health status among various breeds of buffaloes in Tamilnadu. The study took place for two months, from February 2021 to March 2021, until the desired sample of subjects were recruited for the study. A total of 122 buffaloes were recruited from the blue cross, nanganallur buffalo farm and various Veterinary colleges in Tamilnadu based on the simple random sampling method. Results: The association of various breeds of buffaloes and gingivitis, periodontitis, dental recession, dental Attrition. Buffalo breeds showed a statistically significant association with gingivitis, periodontitis, dental recession, or dental Attrition. (P<0.01). Conclusion: The present study reported that the breed of buffaloes had a significant association with the dental recession, periodontal diseases and attrited teeth. In the modern era, oral health is a reflection of overall health.

ESTABLISHMENT AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FETAL FIBROBLAST CELLS OF BLACK BENGAL BREED

Animal cells are a valuable genetic resource and become the major tool for routine investigation of biological research and regenerative medicine. The somatic cells are as valuable as germ cells and an attractive resource for conserving animal genetic materials. The present study was to establish and characterized the caprine fetal fibroblast cell culture of Back Bengal goat's genetic resources; the breed is one of the highly prolific breeds among Indian breeds of goat and famous for meat and skin. The fetal fibroblast cells of Back Bengal goat breed at the age of 1-2 month was cultured. The cells were highly prolific, able to identify by molecular markers, with a population doubling time (PDT) approximately 73.6 hours and could be useful for gene expression study. These cells will be valuable assets for other genomics, post genomics, somatic cloning, and other fields of biological sciences in the future.

Basis blood indices, serum biochemical profiles, antioxidant and oxidative profiles of endangered local buffaloes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands at different stages of reproduction

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) have non-defined and non-descriptive breed of buffaloes. Andaman local buffaloes (ALB) are distributed in Andaman group of Islands and few numbers are available in Campbell Bay and Nicobar group of Islands. Andaman local buffaloes represent an admixture of different Indian breeds that had been brought to these islands in different phases of inhabitation and rehabilitation of migrated people. It is believed that the ALBs have the inheritance from Murrah, Nagpuri, Bhadawari and Marathwada. It is unique buffalo, well adapted to special type of tropical humid island climatic and environmental condition. The present study was designed to standardise the normal reference haematological and biochemical ranges in different stages of reproduction of Andaman local buffaloes which were maintained in the Andaman Districts of ANI, India from April 2019 to March 2020. In this study, haematological parameters, biochemical indices and antioxidant and oxidative stress profiles were estimated in healthy, normal physiological ALBs in different reproductive stages. The present study results clearly indicated that the values of haematological, biochemical and antioxidant profiles fell under the normal physiological ranges. The results of this study may serve as the reference values in which alterations due to metabolic, nutrient deficiency, physiological and health status can be compared for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for ALBs in ANI and its neighboring countries or other parts of the country with similar environmental and climatic conditions.

Characterization of native chickens of Ranchi district of Jharkhand

The present research work was conducted on indigenous chicken of Ranchi district of Jharkhand during March 2019 to March 2020. The field survey design and data collection procedure of this study were performed according to the guidelines of NBAGR, Karnal. Structured questionnaire was designed to collect data and the interviews were conducted at farmer’s house. The birds had elongated body with long shank and long neck. The male birds were fast movers, energetic and capable of fighting for long time. Cocks generally had mixed plumage and hens had brown plumage. The colour of ear lobe and comb was red whereas the skin was white in colour in both the sexes. The type of comb was mostly single followed by pea and rose. The shank colour was generally yellow. Average body weight of an adult cock and hen were 1738.58±42.856 and 1302.24±23.48 g respectively. The hen laid about 44.90±0.61eggs/annum. The current study has set a new dimension for further studies for establishment of a distinct breed in future. However, molecular characterization, genetic similarity or divergence with other Indian breeds and efforts must be taken toconserve the indigenous chicken population.

An attempt to valorize the only black meat chicken breed of India by delineating superior functional attributes of its meat

Kadaknath, the only black chicken indigenous to India, faces the threat of extinction due to declining numbers. Its meat is used in tribal medicine for invigorating and health-promoting properties. Expectations of immune-boosting and therapeutic properties in its meat are creating a buzz these days. Thus, Kadaknath meat was explored and further compared with the commercial Cobb 400 broiler (Cobb) for the functional traits that might be contributing towards proclaimed pharmacological benefits. Birds (n = 20/ group) were raised under similar management conditions and the two primal chicken meat cuts (breast and thigh) were collected at the marketing age. Kadaknath meat was found to be an enriched source of functional biomolecules (carnosine, anserine, creatine). Its breast meat carnosine content was more than double of the Cobb broiler, 6.10 ± 0.13 and 2.73 ± 0.1 mg/ g of wet tissue, respectively. Similarly, the thigh meat of Kadaknath was a significantly (P < 0.05) richer source of carnosine. The genetic background was a key determinant for muscle carnosine content as a significant abundance of CARNS1 and SLC36A1 expression was identified in the Kadaknath breast. The superior functional property of Kadaknath meat was established by the antioxidant capacity established by the Oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and a stronger ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The identification of fairly unknown nutritional and functional advantages of Kadaknath meat could potentially change the paradigm with its meat consumption. It will help in developing a brand name for Kadaknath products that will propel an increase in its market share and ultimately conservation of this unique but endangered poultry germplasm.

Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria from Goat’s Milk Potential Producer of Bacteriocin: Evidence from Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The diverse microbial populations in milk produce a range of antimicrobial compounds that confer preservative action. Goat milk characterized by high nutritional value, medicinal properties and hypoallergenic in nature, constitutes the most prevalent non-bovine milk consumed globally. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), renowned for their probiotic properties, are important constituents of goat milk microflora. In this study, bacterial strains with probiotic potential were isolated and characterized from milk samples of indigenous Indian goat breeds. On MRS medium, Gram-positive rods were observed after anaerobic culture. Based on 16s rRNA technique LAB from goat milk were identified to belong to Enterococcus durans and Lactobacuillus plantarum. Antimicrobial activities were observed against known pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia. coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be low (6.5 mg/ml) for most of the isolates. High resistance to both acidic condition (pH 2.0) and 0.3% bile salts was observed along with marginal increase in cell counts in some isolates. Adherence to Caco-2 cell lines was observed in all the four identified LABs and was higher in case of Enterococcus durans compared to Lactobacillus plantarum. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of lacticin as one of the key component of cell free extracts (CFE) of selected isolate. Goat milk as a source of possible LAB probiotics opens up a whole new avenue of probiotics from non-bovine milk sources. LAB strains isolated in this study are potential probiotic candidates that can be employed as antimicrobial agents in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Haematology and biochemical profiles of endangered local cattle of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have two different genetic groups of cattle namely Andaman local cattle and Trinket cattle. Andaman local cattle are distributed in Andaman group of Islands and Campbell Bay of Nicobar group of Islands. Andaman local cattle are non-descriptive and represent an admixture of different Indian breeds that had been brought to these islands in different phases of inhabitation and rehabilitation of migrated people. It is believed that the Andaman local cattle have the inheritance from Red Sindhi, Sahiwal and Hariana. It is unique cattle, well adapted to special type of tropical humid island climatic and environmental condition. The present study was designed to standardise the normal reference haematological and biochemical range for different age groups of Andaman local cattle which were maintained in the South Andaman and North and Middle Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. In this study, haematological parameters, biochemical indices and antioxidant and oxidative stress profiles were estimated in healthy, normal physiological Andaman local cattle for different age groups. The present study results clearly indicated that the values of haematological, biochemical and antioxidant profiles were under the normal physiological range. These results of this study may serve as the reference values in which alterations due to metabolic, nutrient deficiency, physiological and health status can be compared for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for Andaman local cattle in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and its neighbouring countries or other parts of the country with similar environmental and climatic conditions.

Characterization of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides produced in fermented camel milk (Indian breed) by Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC-15.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05357-9.

Assessment of egg quality and biochemical parameters of Aseel and Kadaknath indigenous chicken breeds of India under backyard poultry farming

Egg quality parameters are very crucial for the egg industry as egg configuration affects grading, price, hatchability, chick weight, and consumer preference. Current study was undertaken to assess and compare the egg quality parameters in 2 important Indian breeds Aseel and Kadaknath reared under backyard system. Different parameters of external and internal egg quality were measured. Biochemical parameters of egg yolk estimated were egg yolk cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triacylglycerol. Means for external characters of Aseel eggs viz., egg weight, egg length, egg width, shape index, shell weight, shell thickness, and shell ratio were 41.7 g, 5.16 cm, 3.85 cm, 74.75%, 4.65 g, 0.35 mm, and 11.23%, and corresponding values for Kadaknath eggs were 40.59 g, 5.13 cm, 3.79 cm, 74.02%, 4.28 g, 0.34 mm, and 10.61%, respectively. Average albumin length, width, height, and albumin index were 83.73 mm, 65.4 mm, 6.02 mm, and 9.26% for Aseel eggs and 82.27 mm, 64.80 mm, 5.52 mm and 8.52% for Kadaknath eggs, respectively. Mean values for yolk length, width, height and yolk index were 43.32 mm, 40.10 mm, 15.30 mm, and 38.30% in Aseel and 42.15 mm, 38.97 mm, 14.26 mm and 36.66% in Kadaknath breed, respectively. Mean values for egg yolk cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triacylglycerol were estimated as 9.38, 1.74, 0.17, and 1.94 mg/g in Aseel eggs and 8.38, 1.84, 0.11, and 1.76 mg/g in Kadaknath eggs, respectively. Biochemical analysis revealed that egg yolk quality of Kadaknath eggs was comparatively better than Aseel eggs.

Heterogeneity and diversified distribution of αS2 casein variants in Indian goats

There is growing interest in goat milk and its derivatives, whose quality is essential in light of contemporary dietary trends favouring healthy eating. Goat milk is used in nutraceutical and infant food products for various reasons, including its hypoallergenic properties. Casein gene variation influences milk content and the chemical, physical, and technical aspects of goat milk. In Capra hircus, there are twelve variants of αs2 casein protein reported to date. The present study aimed to identify the polymorphism of alpha s2 casein and their transcript variants in six Indian goat breeds. Along with three reported alleles (A, B, and C), seven new alleles (L, M, N, O, P, Q, and R) were found in the six native Indian breeds. Transcript variants due to the exon skipping phenomenon were found. The novel alleles: N, P, Q, and R also represented the deletion of exon 3, 13, 6 and 6, respectively. The largest exon (exon 16) of the CSN1S2 gene was screened in 140 goats, and only one new allele, ‘S’, was found. Altogether, eight novel alleles were found in Indian goats along with two types of transcript variants.

Population structure and genetic relatedness of Sri Lankan Jaffna Local sheep with major South Indian breeds

Jaffna Local is an endangered indigenous sheep population in the island country of Sri Lanka. The present study was aimed at assessing genetic diversity of Jaffna Local sheep and its relationship with major South Indian breeds. A total of 320 sheep were genotyped at 19 short tandem repeat marker loci and sequenced for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region to assess population structure, genetic admixture and phylogeography. The results revealed Jaffna Local sheep having relatively low diversity and high estimated inbreeding coefficient as compared to major South Indian breeds. The results of genetic distance estimations, AMOVA and Bayesian analysis clearly indicated relatively closer genetic relationship of Jaffna Local sheep with Southern Tamil Nadu sheep breeds (Vembur, Kilakarisal) and Mandya as compared to other South Indian breeds. Analysis of mtDNA control region revealed 16 haplotypes in Jaffna Local sheep, of which four were observed to be singletons and specific to this breed. The maternal lineages of all the Jaffna Local and South Indian sheep belonged to haplogroup A (HPG-A). Sequence mismatch analysis revealed uni-modal distribution in Jaffna Local sheep indicating haplotype expansion. Considering Jaffna Local sheep is the only defined breed of Sri Lanka, it is imperative to implement selective breeding program in the native tract to prevent genetic dilution and foster conservation of this important indigenous genetic resource of Sri Lanka.

Evidence for independent domestication of sheep mtDNA lineage A in India and introduction of lineage B through Arabian sea route

India ranks the second in the world in terms of its sheep population with approximately 74.26 million represented by 44 well-described breeds in addition to several non-descript populations. Genetic diversity and phylogeography of Indian sheep breeds remain poorly understood, particularly for south Indian breeds. To have a comprehensive view of the domestication history of Indian sheep, we sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (D-loop) and cytochrome b gene (CYTB) of 16 Indian domestic sheep breeds, most of them (13) from the south India. We analysed these sequences along with published data of domestic and wild sheep from different countries, including India. The haplotype diversity was relatively high in Indian sheep, which were classified into the three known mtDNA lineages, namely A, B and C. Lineage A was predominant among Indian sheep whereas lineages B and C were observed at low frequencies but C was restricted to the breeds of north and east India. The median joining network showed five major expanding haplogroups of lineage A (A1–A5). Out of which, A2, A4 and A5 were more frequent in Indian sheep in contrast to breeds from other parts of the world. Among the 27 Indian sheep breeds analysed, Mandya and Sonadi breeds were significantly different from other Indian breeds in the MDS analyses. This was explained by a very high contribution of lineage B into these two breeds. The Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) provided evidence for the domestication of lineage A sheep in the Indian subcontinent. Contrary to the current knowledge, we also found strong support for the introduction of lineage B into Indian subcontinent through sea route rather than from the Mongolian Plateau. The neighbour-joining tree of domestic and wild sheep revealed the close genetic relationship of Indian domestic sheep with Pakistani wild sheep O. vignei blanfordi. Based on our analyses and archaeological evidences, we suggest the Indian subcontinent as one of the domestication centres of the lineage A sheep, while lineage B sheep might have arrived into India from elsewhere via Arabian sea route. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on Indian sheep where we have analysed more than 740 animals belonging to 27 sheep breeds raised in various regions of India. Our study provides insight into the understanding of the origin and migratory history of Indian sheep.

Significance of Lactobacillus fermentum on Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Ultrafiltration Peptide Fractions as Potential Sources of Antioxidative Peptides from Fermented Camel Milk (Indian Breed)

Objective The present study aimed to assess the bio-functional analysis of camel milk viz. anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory activities using potent Lactobacillus fermentum (KGL4) strain through fermentation and also to release the bioactive peptides during fermentation. Method The antioxidant and proteolytic activities of the fermented camel milk were studied followed by SDS-PAGE analysis and 2 D PAGE. The separations of the bioactive peptides of water-soluble extract (WSE) of 3 and 10 kDa (Permeates & Retentates) were achieved by RP-HPLC. The purified bioactive peptides were identified and characterized using RPLC/MS and the effect of WSE of camel milk fermented with KGL4 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/endotoxin-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages were also studied. Results The maximal activity was observed in ABTS assay (64.03%), then in hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, and minimal activity was observed in superoxide free radical assay (57.75%). ABTS assay was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other assays. MTT assay was performed on WSE of camel milk fermented with KGL4 using treated macrophage cells with different concentrations and found the decreasing range of cell viability at 0.25 mg/mL treatment which was non-significant. 7.80 mg/ml peptide production was found after 48 h of fermentation using the OPA method. Further, WSE of fermented camel milk was separated and analyzed their protein profiles using SDS-PAGE and 2 D-PAGE techniques. Here, many new peptides were found in camel milk when fermented with KGL4 strain. Each protein sequence was characterized through bioinformatic tools, including SWISS-PROT & PIR protein databases. Novel bioactive anti-oxidative peptides were found by searching in the BIOPEP database. Conclusions The present study suggests that the L. fermentum KGL4 strain could be explored to produce novel antioxidative peptides from fermented camel milk (Indian breed).

Effect of exogenous melatonin on endocrinological profiles, biochemical and antioxidant and oxidative stress profiles in post-partum anestrus Andaman local buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in tropical island ecosystem

Andaman local buffalo (ALB) is distributed in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ALB is non-descriptive and represents admixture of different Indian breeds of buffaloes. ALB is suffering infertility due to anestrus in dry (summer) season. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effect of slow release subcutaneous exogenous melatonin (MT) implant on hematological profiles, endocrinological profiles (cortisol and prolactin), biochemical profile (total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and total cholesterol), antioxidant profiles [total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and oxidative stress profile (malondialdehyde; MDA) in anestrus buffalo cows during summer to improve its reproductive efficiency. Experimental buffaloes (5–7 years of age) were selected and divided into two groups, Gr I: Control (n=6) and Gr II: Treatment (n=6; melatonin implant @ 18 mg/50 kg b.wt). Statistical analysis revealed that these experimental profiles differed significantly between treatment and control groups. Blood profiles revealed that anestrus buffalo suffered severe macrocytic hypochromic anemia with increased leukocytosis and MT has improved the health status of reproductive system and whole body systems. Concentration of cortisol and prolactin were lower in MT treated than in control group. Similarly, antioxidant profiles were higher and oxidative stress profile was lower in MT treated group than in control group. Biochemical profiles were increased in MT treated than in untreated buffalos. Study concludes that melatonin had significant beneficial effects in improvement of the antioxidant profiles, minimization of oxidative stress with cascading beneficial effects on hormone, biochemical and hematological profiles, which will improve the cyclicity and fertility rate in anestrus buffalo during summers in humid tropical island ecosystem.

Identification of β Casein Genotypes in Indian Gir and Crossbred Exotic Cows from Mumbai Dairy Farms

Background: Collective evidence of polymorphic β-casein and associated health problems has led to the concern about milk consumption and cow breeding policies worldwide. This association has also engrossed the interest of dairy scientist and industry in evaluation of β casein genotype distribution. With increasing proportion of exotic and crossbred cows in India it is worth while to screen cattle for A1A2 β casein and enhance indigenous cow breeds. Methods: The present study intended to identify β casein genotypes in pure Indian Gir cows and crossbred Holstein and jersey cows from three local dairy farms. We analysed β casein genotypes by PCR-RFLP method in total 95 cows during the period of 2017-2019. Result: All the indigenous Gir cows had fixed A2 allele whereas crossbred Jersey and Holstein Frisian both had A1A2 as the most common genotype (frequency: 0.473 and 0.6 respectively) followed by A2A2 (Frequency 0.368 and 0.333 respectively) and A1A1 (Frequency 0.158 and 0.066 respectively). The results show that in this study group Gir, a native Indian breed has fixed A2 β casein variant whereas crossbred Jersey and Holstein Frisian have A1A2 as a most common genotype. Screening of cattle for â casein genotypes is vital to monitor the frequency of A1 beta casein in native Indian cow breeds.

Ocular Ultrasonography and Echobiometry in Goats of Different Age and Breed

Background: Bhakarwali, a recognized goat breed of India is native to region of Jammu and Kashmir, plays a significant role in sustaining the livelihood of small and marginal farmers especially the nomadic tribes of Gujjars and Bhakarwals. Keeping in view, its importance to the farming community, high number of cases handled and lack of literature available in the country regarding baseline echobiometric values of eye in goats in general, the present study was undertaken.Methods: Ocular sonography and echobiometry was performed in Bhakarwali (n=60) and Non-descript goats (n=32) and normal echobiometric values for eye structures in different age groups were established.Result: There was significant (P greater than 0.05) increase in the different ocular echobiometric measurements as the animal aged. Further, echobiometric values were non-significantly higher in Bhakarwali goats than local non-descript breed in all the age groups.

Analysis of Genetic Polymorphism and the Identification of the mi-RNA Binding Sites of the Hypoxia Related Genes in Indian Breeds of Cattle

Background: There are certain cattle breeds which are adaptable to the temperate type environmental conditions of high altitude regions of Himalayas. The genome of such cattle have signature of adaptability in the genes related to the hypoxia. Therefore, the current study was undertaken on three hypoxia related genes (EGLN2, EGLN3 and EPAS1) in four breeds of cattle adapted to the diverse agro-climatic conditions of high (Ladakhi and Siri) and low (Hallikar and Kankrej) altitude.Methods: The genotyping of the samples was carried out by using 777 K BovineHD BeadChip (Illumina) at Agri genome Pvt. Ltd (Kerala) and the in-silico analysis of the samples was carried out at ICAR-NBAGR during 2019-2020. The SNPs underlying the genes were evaluated for the gene and genotypic frequencies at nine SNP loci residing in these three candidate genes (EGLN2, EGLN3 and EPAS1). The diversity parameters for these SNPs were assessed by GenAlEx 6.2 software and Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) differences among the breeds were calculated by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) using SAS software. The mi-RNA binding sites in the 3’UTR region of genes were identified by TargetScan software.Result: Higher level of polymorphism was obtained in the Ladakhi and Siri breeds of cattle of high altitude/ cold adapted region than Hallikar and Kankrej of plain and hot arid/ semi-arid region. Several mi-RNA binding sites were obtained in the 3’UTR region of these 3 genes by Target Scan software. The polymorphism obtained in these candidate genes can be utilized in the markers assisted selection of the animals more adapted to the extreme cold and high altitude region for their genetic improvement as well as designing tools for the therapy of the diseases prevalent at high altitude.