Genetic Differentiation of Indian Zebu Cattle (Bos tauraus) Breeds Using Random Oligonucleotide Primers (RAPD-PCR) in Amravati Region, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

In India, insufficient characterization skills and extensive crossbreeding of cattle have led to the loss of several breeds. The purpose of this work is to find polymorphic primers for identifying Zebu cattle breeds. Random crossbreeding has resulted in genetic losses among the Gaolao, Krishna Valley, and Hallikar breeds. Genetic characterization and cryopreserving semen are critical components of conservation and breeding initiatives. The study highlights the urgent need for effective genetic characterization of Zebu cattle breeds in India, identifying 8 polymorphic and 4 monomorphic primers through RAPD-PCR. These findings are crucial for accurate breed identification, which is essential for conservation efforts and informed breeding strategies to preserve genetic diversity and prevent the decline of indigenous breeds like Gaolao, Krishna Valley, and Hallikar. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood using a DNA extraction kit and amplified with RAPD-PCR. A total of 12 primers were evaluated, and agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that eight (OPA-09, OPA-15, OPB-13, OPB-07, OPB- 05, OPA-13, OPA-18, and OPA-01) were polymorphic and four (OPB-06, OPA-04, OPB-03, and OPA-02) were monomorphic. Polymorphic primers demonstrated relatedness between some of the available breeds. Primers OPA-09 and OPA-15 showed a higher degree of polymorphism than primers OPB-13, OPB-07, OPB-05, OPA-13, OPA-18, and OPA-01, indicating that primers OPA-09 and OPA-15 may successfully identify various cattle breeds.