Microsatellite Marker Based Characterization of Genetic Diversity in Kankrej Cattle

This study contributes to the knowledge of genetic structure/diversity of Kankrej cattle (a dual purpose breed) from Gujarat state of India. Molecular data generated using bovine specific microsatellite markers was utilized to assess the existing genetic diversity. The mean number of observed and effective alleles was 8.2 and 4.2, respectively. The average observed heterozygosity values (0.694) compared to the averageexpected heterozygosity values (0.717) did not show significant differences in the selected population (P>0.05), suggesting random mating in Kankrej. The allele diversity and gene diversity values imply a substantial amount of genetic variability in Kankrej cattle. Population inbreeding estimates (F_IS = −0.013) indicated the absence of inbreeding (P<0.05) in this breed.