Genetic characterization of non descriptive breed (Bos indicus) of Marathwada region using genetic markers

Molecular characterization of cattle breeds is important for the prevention of germplasm erosion by cross breeding. The Indian zebu cattle have their significant role in evolution of present day cattle breeds. The present study was carried out to characterize non descriptive cattle breed of Marathwada region using microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNAsequencing (Folmer region). Five microsatellite markers (ETH225, ETH10, SPS115, BM4028 and TGLA159) were selected to screen cattle population from seven districts of Marathwada respectively. The expected heterozygosity varied from 0.7410 (TGLA159) to 0.8722 (ETH10). The PIC values for polymorphic loci ranged from 0.919 to 0.937. The Fst value (0.1584) indicated moderate genetic differences in the cattle breed. The mitochondrial sequences of 21 samples indicate 99.9% homology with Bos indicus or Bos taurus species. The primary study indicates that there is presence of genetic variation between the non descriptive cattle population of Marathwada region.