Indigenous Cattle Breeds Research Articles

Runs of Homozygosity Analysis Reveals Genomic Diversity and Population Structure of an Indigenous Cattle Breed in Southwest China

In aiming to achieve sustainable development goals in the livestock industry, it is becoming increasingly necessary and important for the effective conservation of genetic resources. There are some indigenous cattle breeds in Sichuan, southwest China, for which, however, the genetic diversity and population structures still remain unknown because of the unavailability of systematic breeding programs and pedigree information. Xieka cattle are an indigenous breed locally distributed in southeastern Sichuan and have a long-term evolutionary adaptation to local environments and climates. In this study, we obtained 796,828 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through sequencing the genomes of 30 Xieka cattle and used them for analyzing the genetic diversity and runs of homozygosity (ROH). The mean nucleotide diversity was 0.28 and 72% of SNPs were found to be in the heterozygous states. A total of 4377 ROH were detected with even distribution among all autosomes, and 74% of them were lower than 1 Mb in length. Meanwhile, only five ROH were found longer than 5 Mb. We further determined 19 significant genomic regions that were obviously enriched by ROH, in which 35 positional candidate genes were found. Some of these genes have been previously reported to be significantly associated with various production traits in cattle, such as meat quality, carcass performances, and diseases. In conclusion, the relatively high degree of genetic diversity of Xieka cattle was revealed using the genomic information, and the proposed candidate genes will help us optimize the breeding programs regarding this indigenous breed.

Seasonal and lactational variations in fatty acid profile of milk in indigenous cattle

The present study was conducted on quality and bioactive components in milk of Kankrej and Sahiwal indigenous cattle breeds at Livestock Research Station, Kodemdesar and College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner situated in hot-arid region of Rajasthan. Representative milk samples were collected and brought to the laboratory. The variance analysis observed significant effect of season on SFA of Kankrej and Sahiwal, and revealed that the total MUFA in Kankrej differ significantly. Significant effect of season on PUFA in Sahiwal and Kankrej cattle was also observed. Significant effect of season on Omega fatty acids in Sahiwal and Kankrej cattle except Omega-9 fatty acid in Sahiwal cattle was seen. The analysis of variance found highly significant effect of season on SCFA whereas non-significant effect on LCFA in Kankrej and Sahiwal cattle. Effect of season on MCFA was found significant in Sahiwal whereas non-significant effect was found in Kankrej cattle. The analysis of variance observed significant effect of various lactation stage on MUFA, Omega-9 and MCFA fatty acids for Kankrej and Sahiwal cattle and on SCFA in Sahiwal, and non-significant effect in Kankrej whereas significant effect on LCFA in Kankrej and nonsignificant effect in Sahiwal cattle.

Genetic Analysis of K-Casein Gene in Milk Protein of Bos Indicus Cattle

Purpose: Κ-casein, or kappa casein, is a mammalian milk protein involved in several important physiological processes. Chymosin splits K-casein into an insoluble peptide (para kappa-casein) and a water-soluble glycomacropeptide (GMP). GMP is responsible for increased efficiency of digestion, prevention of neonate hypersensitivity to ingested proteins, and inhibition of gastric pathogens. The gene underlying the production of kappa-casein in cow's Milk shows polymorphisms which affect the amount of protein produced. Higher levels of kappa-casein are associated with increased milk protein and casein content and better cheese yield. Method: The current study aimed to identify the genetic mutations among three indigenous cattle breeds of Sindh, Pakistan. A particular set of primers amplified the targeted area of the K-CASEIN gene after genomic DNA extraction from blood samples of the three cattle breeds, namely Cholistani cattle breed, Tharri, and Sahiwal. Findings: The amplified PCR products were sequenced using the ABI Genetic Analyzer 3500; a BioEdit version 7.2 was used to examine the sequencing data. Using the ensemble gene browser, blast analysis was also performed. Practical Implication: Results revealed 18 mutations in all 03 cattle breeds, including 07 mutations in the Cholistani cattle breed; the Tharri cattle breeds had 06 mutations, and the Sahiwal cattle breeds had 05 mutations. Results of this study of the K-CASEIN gene suggested that Cholistani cattle breeds are more genetically varied than the Sahiwal cattle breeds. Conclusion: Furthermore, the Sahiwal cattle breed is more diverse than the Thari cattle breed for the said gene. Keywords: K-Casein gene, Sahiwal cattle breed, Thari cattle breed, Cholistani cattle breed, Polymorphism

Single nucleotide polymorphism in cytochrome B oxidase gene among indigenous cattle breeds of Tamil Nadu

The present study was carried out to validate the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in mitochondrial gene- cytochrome b oxidase at 14,716 bp (C to T transition) position obtained from whole genome sequence data of indigenous cattle breeds at Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu. A total of 288 animals, viz. Alambadi (16), Bargur (99), Kangayam (54), Pulikulam (58) and Umblachery (61) were genotyped. The wild type allele C was observed to be fixed in all the breeds except Kangayam cattle. The gene frequency of C and T alleles and genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT were estimated in Kangayam breed of cattle and chi-square test revealed the population in Hardy- Weinberg disequilibrium at CYTB locus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the indigenous cattle breeds were present under the same genetic ancestry of Bos indicus reference genome, while the Bos taurus reference genome diverged separately. From this study, the possibilities of selective sweep or population expansion after a recent bottleneck among the indigenous cattle breeds of Tamil Nadu could be concluded.

Genetic Diversity and Selective Signature in Dabieshan Cattle Revealed by Whole-Genome Resequencing.

Simple SummaryTo protect the genetic resources of Chinese native cattle breeds, we investigated the genetic structure, genetic diversity and genetic signature from artificial or natural selection by sequencing 32 bovine genomes from the breeding farm of the Dabieshan population. We discovered that the ancestral contributions of Dabieshan originated from Chinese indicine and East Asian taurine on the autosomal genome, which had abundant genomic diversity. Some candidate genes associated with fertility, feed efficiency, fat deposition, immune response, heat resistance and the coat color were identified by a selective sweep. The SNPs data were based on genomics, which could establish a foundation for breed amelioration and support conservation for indigenous cattle breeds.Dabieshan cattle are a typical breed of southern Chinese cattle that have the characteristics of muscularity, excellent meat quality and tolerance to temperature and humidity. Based on 148 whole-genome data, our analysis disclosed the ancestry components of Dabieshan cattle with Chinese indicine (0.857) and East Asian taurine (0.139). The Dabieshan genome demonstrated a higher genomic diversity compared with the other eight populations, supported by the observed nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium decay and runs of homozygosity. The candidate genes were detected by a selective sweep, which might relate to the fertility (GPX5, GPX6), feed efficiency (SLC2A5), immune response (IGLL1, BOLA-DQA2, BOLA-DQB), heat resistance (DnaJC1, DnaJC13, HSPA4), fat deposition (MLLT10) and the coat color (ASIP). We also identified the “East Asian taurine-like” segments in Dabieshan cattle, which might contribute to meat quality traits. The results revealed by the unique and valuable genomic data can build a foundation for the genetic improvement and conservation of genetic resources for indigenous cattle breeds.

Identification of Selection Signatures for Milk Performance Traits among Indigenous Dairy Cattle Breeds using High Density Genomic Information

Background: Selection process for milk performance traits has left remarkable selection signatures in the genome and their identification can guide to utilize under genomic breeding programs for improving productivity in dairy cattle. Methods: This study utilizes genotype data of Sahiwal (19), Tharparkar (17) and Gir (16) to identify selection signatures in the genomes of Sahiwal-Gir (SW-GR), Sahiwal-Tharparkar (SW-TP) and Tharparkar-Gir (TP-GR) breed pairs by using FST approaches. The highest FST peaks (FST greater than 0.25) were considered as selection signature region. The functional genes underlying signature regions controlling milk performance traits were also annotated. Result: We identified 41, 29 and 60 selection signatures exhibiting footprints of positive selection among SW-GR, SW-TP and TP-GR breed pairs, respectively. The selection signals controlling milk performance traits were detected as ACADL, SLC26A2, PLCB1, SYT9 genes mapped on chromosome 2, 7, 13 and 15, respectively for SW-GR breed pair. Selection signature regions in the genome of SW-TP breed revealed genes ATPAF1, LEF1, PPARGC1B, EIF6 and ACSS3 for milk production. Furthermore, PLA2R1, SCP2, ATPAF1, CACNA2D1, LEF1 and SUMF1 genes were identified in TP-GR breed pair controlling metabolism and morphogenesis of mammary gland. Moreover, HSPB6, LTBP1, SLIT3, FSHR and ASIP genes were also found in association with thermo-tolerance, disease resistance, immunity, reproduction and coat colour in our indigenous dairy cattle breeds.

Assessment of Mutation Drift Equilibrium and the Occurrence of a Recent Genetic Bottleneck in South Indian Zebu Cattle.

Simple SummaryThis study was conducted on eight Indian zebu breeds with an objective to reveal any cryptic genetic bottlenecks in the population. The alarming reduction in the effective population size of these breeds was the major reason for conducting this study. Genotyping of 27 FAO/ISAG-recommended microsatellite markers and further statistical analysis using allele frequency data under three different models of mutation revealed the absence of recent genetic bottlenecks in any of the populations under study. The results from the qualitative test of mode shift distortion were in accordance with the above findings. Even though the results of the present study indicated little or no critical loss of rare alleles in any of the breeds understudy, the chances of this happening cannot be completely ignored. One of the plausible explanations for this scenario could be the potential gene flow from commercial taurine cattle through indiscriminate crossbreeding in the native tract of these breeds. Thus, we here emphasize the need of further initiatives for improving selective breeding practices in order to conserve and effectively utilize the existing South Indian zebu cattle genetic diversity.During the last few decades, the effective population size of indigenous zebu cattle breeds has declined drastically, resulting in the classification of some of them into the vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered category. Drastic reductions in the effective size of a population may result in genetic bottlenecks and can affect within-breed genetic variability and its viability. The present study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating South Indian zebu cattle populations for mutation drift equilibrium and to detect the occurrence of recent genetic bottleneck events. A total of 293 cattle from eight indigenous breeds were genotyped at 27 FAO/ISAG-recommended microsatellite marker loci. Three different statistical tests, viz., the sign test, standardized differences test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed using allele frequency data to detect loci with heterozygosity excess under the infinite alleles, stepwise, and two-phase mutation models. Under the infinite alleles model, the observed number of loci with heterozygosity excess (He > Heq) ranged between 10 and 19 among the investigated cattle breeds. However, the observed heterozygosity excess was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in any of the studied breeds. Similarly, the standardized differences test and Wilcoxon sign rank test revealed no concrete evidence for the occurrence of a recent genetic bottleneck in South Indian zebu cattle breeds. The qualitative test for mode-shift distortion revealed a normal L-shaped distribution of allele frequencies, suggesting a lack of evidence for the loss of low-frequency alleles in all the investigated South Indian zebu cattle breeds.

Association analysis of indels in the VISFATIN gene with five cattle breeds and their growth traits

VISFATIN is an adipose cytokine that has been proved to correlate with growth and development traits. In a previous study from our lab, two insertion/deletions (indels; including a 35-bp insertion at its intron 4 and a 6-bp deletion in intron 5) were identified within the VISFATIN gene. To validate these indels and evaluate their association with growth traits in Chinese cattle, a total of 413 samples from four Chinese indigenous breeds and 217 samples from Chinese breeds were detected. Three genotypes (WW, WI and II) at intron 4 were detected based on the 35-bp insertion (allele I) or deletion (allele W) and showed moderate polymorphism in all samples. Two genotypes (WW and WD) at intron 5 were detected based on the 6-bp deletion (allele D) or insertion (allele W) in Xianan (XN) cattle and Jinnan (JN) cattle population but showed poor polymorphisms. Association analysis illustrated that the indel at intron 4 is significantly associated with chest girth, rump length and body weight in Ji'an (JA) cattle and the indel at intron 5 can cause a significant difference in rump length in JN cattle. To our knowledge, it is the first time it has been shown that indels within the VISFATIN gene are associated with growth traits in the two Chinese indigenous cattle breeds. These findings suggest that the VISFATIN gene can be used as a molecular marker for JN and JA cattle breeding.

Review on milk production performance, challenges, and opportunities of dairy cows production in oromia regional state, Ethiopia

This review was conducted to review the information on milk production performance, challenges, and opportunities of dairy cattle production in Oromia. Supported management practices, marketing situations, feed sources, and feeding systems the foremost milk production systems are identified as rural milk production, peri-urban, and concrete milk production. Ethiopia holds large potential for dairy development mainly thanks to an acceptable environment and large cattle number that contains 65.35 million cattle populations. While there is a large milk cow population and favorable climatic conditions, self-sufficiency in milk production is low. The mean values of daily milk yield (DMY) range from 1 to2.8 liter/day with lactation length (LL) of 6.78 to 9.13 months for indigenous breeds, 6.5 to fifteen liters/day with lactation length of 7.52 to 11.67 months for crossbreed cows respectively. Both DMY and LL were significantly stricken by breed, parity, and year of calving. Challenges for dairying vary from one location to a distinct one. The foremost challenge that affects milk production performance of cattle in Oromia includes feed shortage, high feed cost, land shortage for farming of improved forage, insufficient veterinary services, no operational breeding strategy and policy, and low productivity of the indigenous cattle breeds are the foremost important factor limiting dairy products within the region. Therefore, to enhance these milk production performances of the dairy cow to determine genetic improvement policy, strategy, and breeding program and implement well management practices.

Description of the zootechnical performance of the indigenous Algerian cattle breeds “Atlas Brown” from the region of El Ouldja in western Algeria

Description of the zootechnical performance of the indigenous Algerian cattle breeds “Atlas Brown” from the region of El Ouldja in western Algeria

Distribution of a missense mutation (rs525805167) within the SLC45A2 gene associated with climatic conditions in Chinese cattle

SLC45A2 is involved in the synthesis of melanin transporters. We investigated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the SLC45A2 gene and humidity and hot conditions in indigenous cattle habitat. According to the Bovine Genome Variation Database and Selective Signatures (BGVD), we explored the frequency distribution of a missense mutation (NC_037347.1: c.1543A > G, p.ser515gly) in the SLC45A2 gene in Chinese indigenous cattle. This variation from serine to glycine caused a significant change in the protein modeling structure. PCR and partial DNA sequencing were used to genotype 541 individuals, including 28 Chinese indigenous cattle breeds as well as Angus and zebu. From our results, the mutant allele frequency of this SNP in Chinese native cattle increases gradually from north to south, which is consistent with the distribution of climatic conditions in China. In addition, according to association analysis of a missense mutation (NC_037347.1: c.1543A > G) (rs525805167) in Chinese cattle, it is closely related to the annual average temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), temperature and humidity index (THI) and solar radiation time (P < 0.01). Based on the statistical analysis of the data, we assumed that rs525805167 was associated with heat tolerance traits.Simple Summary: The characteristics of Chinese indigenous cattle are closely related to their climatic environment. In China, Bos taurus is mainly distributed in the northern regions; Bos indicus is mainly distributed in southern China. In addition, the average temperature is higher in the south than in the north, and there are many mixed ancestry breeds of B. taurus and B. indicus in the middle area. The SLC45A2 gene is related to melanin synthesis, which may be closely related to heat tolerance in cattle. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether the SLC45A2 gene is related to heat tolerance in Chinese indigenous cattle.

Comparative Pathologic, Immunohistochemical, Ultrastructural and Molecular study of Bovine Papilloma Virus type 1 E5 Oncogene infection in Exotic and Indigenous cattle breeds

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) induces benign tumors of cutaneous or mucosa epithelia, called papillomas or warts in cattle and generally regress without eliciting any serious clinical problems in the host, but occasionally persist and provide the focus for malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. This has a negative implication in beef and hide industry. There is paucity of information on the comparative pathology and molecular detection of BPVs in different breeds of nomadic cattle. Consequently, 340 nomadic cattle grazing in Plateau state Nigeria were screened clinically for papillomatosis followed by histopathology. Lesion consistent with papillomatosis were further investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electron microscopy. Twenty cattle (0.06%) of Friesian, Zebu, Muturu and White Fulani breeds had cutaneous papilloma and skin lesions of the head, neck, shoulders, legs, dorsum, lower abdomen and scrotum. However, only 16 (0.05%) cattle skin biopsy samples were consistent with papillomatosis histopathologically revealing varying degrees of hyperplastic epidermis with acanthosis and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. Nuclei in the granular layer of the epidermis were IHC positive for Bovine papillomavirus type I antigen while skin biopsy was BPV-1 E5 oncoprotein gene positive by PCR. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes consistent with Bovine papillomavirus infection. The distribution and severity of lesion varied in different breeds of nomadic cattle. The detection, diagnosis and characterization of papillomavirus in these cattle enabled the development of autogenous vaccine to immunized cattle. This study highlighted the comparative pathology and molecular characterization of BPVs in different breeds of nomadic cattle, which hitherto was lacking.

Identification of Associations Between Ucp2 and Ucp3 Gene Polymorphisms and Meat Quantity Traits in Three Indigenous Cattle Breeds of Pakistan

Identification of Associations Between Ucp2 and Ucp3 Gene Polymorphisms and Meat Quantity Traits in Three Indigenous Cattle Breeds of Pakistan

Association of breed and non-genetic factors with freezing point and milkattributes of Zebu cattle

The present experiment was conducted to study the milk quality of indigenous cattle which are important for farmers, manufactures and consumers. For this study, we have collected 150 milk samples of three different indigenous cattle breeds viz. Kankrej, Sahiwal, and Rathi from semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India. The samples were evaluated for the milk fat, protein, lactose, solid not fat (SNF), somatic cell count (SCC), pH, electric conductivity and freezing point, and observed the relationship of breed, stage of lactation, parity and body condition score (BCS) with their milk constituents and freezing point. Total Protein, freezing point and electric conductivity of milk differed significantly (P&lt;0.01) among the breeds. Freezing point, fat and protein contents of milk were significantly affected by parity and body condition score of the cattle. From this study it can be concluded that the milk constituents differs among the breeds of indigenous cattle and affected by many non genetic factors, therefore these are the factors which influences the quality of milk in different Zebu cattle breeds.

Artificial Neural Network-Based Identification of Associations between UCP2 and UCP3 Gene Polymorphisms and Meat Quantity Traits

In identifying mutations occurring in distinct cow breeds, genetic elements must be taken into consideration. More recently, these hereditary features have gained attention throughout the world. As in many underdeveloped nations, to bridge the deficit in molecular genetics, multiple solutions are required. The inner membrane anion carrier superfamily contains the uncoupling proteins (UCPs), vital to energy regulation. Research on heredity has shown that variations in the UCP2 and UCP3 genes are connected to obesity and metabolic syndrome. This research aimed to investigate if any mutation in the UCP 2 and UCP 3 genes are related to many characteristics in Pakistan’s three indigenous cattle breeds using artificial neural network (ANN). For better analysis, the output of the ANN model is loaded into the Primer Premier 3 software. Using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing, the results of this study indicated 07 variations in the exon 4 region of the UCP2 gene and 03 variants in the exon 3 area of the UCP3 gene among 215 indigenous cow breeds. The association study revealed that the g.C35G mutation in the UCP3 gene is strongly related to meat quantity characteristics such as carcass weight and drip percentage (P0.05) but not with body height or hip width ( P &gt; 0.05 ). Sequence analysis showed five distinct diplotypes: AA, BC, AC, CC, and CD. Cattle with the novel heterozygous diplotype BC perform better in carcass trait and drip percentage than animals with other genotypes. The study’s findings suggest that the UCP3 gene may be utilized for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and breed mixing in Pakistan cattle breeds to aid in the country’s economic growth.

Comparative Study on Effect of Different Estrus Synchronization Protocols on the Pattern of Estrus, Conception Rate and Serum Hormonal Profile in Indigenous Kangayam Cows

Background: The indiscriminate crossbreeding is the major cause for losses as well as for risk to existing breeds. Kangayam, a pride indigenous cattle breed of Tamil Nadu, also badly affected due to this unplanned indiscriminate breeding. Urgent and immediate action is required to protect this traditional breed. Estrus synchronization would be a best tool to improve the fertility rate and increase the population of this breed under field condition. Methods: Fifty Kangayam cows selected at farmer’s field were divided into Group I, II, III, IV (Treatment groups) and Group V (Control group). Estrus synchronization with single PGF2α, double PGF2α, CIDR+PGF2α and ovsynch protocols were used in Group I, II, III and IV cows, respectively and inseminated during induced estrus. Group V cows were inseminated during observed estrus. The pattern of estrus, fertility rate and serum hormonal profiles on different days of treatment were studied. Result: The conception rates were higher in double PGF2α (80 per cent) and ovsynch protocol (80%) followed by CIDR+ PGF2α (70%). The progesterone (ng/ml) concentration was significantly (P≤0.05) higher during estrus induction with PGF2α in treatment groups than during selection and insemination. The serum estradiol-17β concentration was significantly (P≤0.05) higher during insemination (24.21±1.74 to 25.57±0.80 pg/ml) than during PGF2α injection (12.81±0.25 to 13.68±0.30 pg/ml). The study concluded that higher conception rate in indigenous Kangayam cows can be obtained with synchronization using Double PGF2α and Ovsynch protocol followed by CIDR+PGF2α protocol.

Genetic diversity and population structure of four Nigerian indigenous cattle breeds.

A total of thirty-eight (38) Nigerian indigenous cattle were used to evaluate the genetic relatedness, diversity, and population structure of four indigenous cattle breeds. Blood samples were collected from the experimental animals into vacutainer tubes containing EDTA, and genomic DNA extracted, quantified, and evaluated for integrity. Fourteen (14) microsatellite primers were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR amplification performed under standard conditions followed by electrophoresis in 2.5% Metaphor Agarose gel. Genomic parameter estimates included allele number (Na), observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, polymorphism information content (PIC), test of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and genetic diversity; pairwise Nei's genetic distance, Wright's F-statistics (FIT, FST, and FIS), and gene flow (Nm); and breed relationship, population structure, and degree of admixture. A total of 112 alleles were detected and mean number of alleles was 4.02 ± 0.190, while mean fixation index was 0.461 ± 0.068. Mean Ho and He were 0.352 ± 0.05 and 0.605 ± 0.018, respectively. Pairwise estimates of genetic differentiation, FST, were significantly different (p < 0.001) implying distinct breeds. Estimates of Nm were less than 4 but greater than 1, indicating that the cattle breeds do not belong to one panmictic population. Estimates of pairwise genetic distance revealed that White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali were more closely related than Muturu and N'Dama. The results of STRUCTURE, principal coordinate, and phylogenetic analyses revealed four clusters which implies that the breeds were genetically distinct. It is recommended that the four cattle breeds can be used to develop composites with higher genetic potentials for beef production and resistance to endemic diseases and pests. Further efforts should be made to conserve and genetically improve these breeds to meet present and future production and breeding imperatives.

Population Analysis and Genetic Structure of Two Kazakh Cattle Breeds Using 150K SNP

Kazakh white-headed and Auliekol breeds are mostly spread through Kazakhstan and are animals with dual purpose productivity directions including meat and milk. Kazakh native cattle breeds are still largely unexplored based on the genetic markers and are of great interest in the country. In this study, we for the first time applied high-density SNP genotyping for two indigenous cattle breeds to study genetic diversity, population structure and relationships with the different foreign breeds. Using of GGP Bovine 150K SNP array the principal component analysis (PCA), populations estimates of the genetic structure (ADMIXTURE), genetic diversity and distances (Fst), and phylogenetic tree showed that the Kazakh white-headed and Auliekol breeds have certain separate genetic structure that differ from European and Russian cattle breeds The two of these Kazakh cattle breeds have their genetic background according to observed results as distinct breeds. The obtained results will be aided in the development breeding system and conservation programs of the Kazakh white-headed and Auliekol breeds of beef cattle in the Kazakhstan.

Beyond economic motives: Value of indigenous dairy cattle breed for the livestock keepers in India

Indigenous cattle not only provide milk, dung and draught power but are also a crucial part of India’s ecologicaland cultural heritage. Despite this, they are facing threat of extinction. Absence of information regarding theirmultiple roles and monetary estimates of the benefits, obstructs the investment for their conservation. Currentstudy attempts to assess the economic value of different benefits of one of the best indigenous cattle breeds ofIndia, Sahiwal. Choice experiment was used for collecting primary data from 168 dairy farmers which was thenanalyzed using random parameter logit model. ʽCultural valueʼ of Sahiwal occupied the major share (29.93%) oftotal economic value followed by ʽindirect use value (21.25%)ʼ and ʽexistence value (18.40%)ʼ. Interestingly, shareof ʽdirect consumptive use valueʼ was comparatively lower. This indicates that any decision on conservation takensolely on the basis of direct consumptive use value is unlikely to maximize the societal welfare. Development ofspecific market for milk and milk products of Sahiwal, promotion of the breed as symbol of peace and unity throughvarious cultural and heritage parks, and revival of organic farming can incentivize the Sahiwal rearing farmers whichcan then supplement the conservation efforts of the government

Whole-genome SNP markers reveal runs of homozygosity in indigenous cattle breeds of Pakistan

The runs of homozygosity (ROH) were identified in 14 Pakistani cattle breeds (n = 105) by genotyping with the Illumina 50 K SNP BeadChip. These breeds were categorized into Dairy, Dual, and Draft breeds based on their utility and production performance. We identified a total of 10,936 ROHs which mainly consisted of a high number of shorter segments (1–4 Mb). Dairy group exhibited the highest level of inbreeding (FROH: 0.078 ± 0.028) while the lowest (FROH: 0.002 ± 0.008) was observed in Dual group. In 48 genomic regions identified with a high frequency of ROH, 207 genes were detected in the three breed groups. A substantially higher number of ROH islands detected in dairy breeds indicated the impact of the positive selection pressure over the years. Important candidate genes and QTL were detected in the ROH islands associated with economic traits like milk production, reproduction, meat, carcass, and health traits in dairy cattle.