Genetic variability parameters of certified holstein cattle in Cuenca District, Ecuador

Abstract

Holstein catle account for most of the dairy production in Ecuador. However, there are no data on genetic parameters that describe the characteristics of the country's dairy herds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the genetic variability of registered Holstein catle in Cuenca district, Ecuador. For this, the microsatellite markers CSRM60, INRA083, CSSM66, ETH3, HEL9, TGLA53, BM1818, LSTS006, BM2113, ETH225, TGLA122, ETH10, TGLA227, INRA032 and SPS115 were analyzed in 52 bovines, according to the guidelines on genetic characterization of domestic animal species suggested by FAO. It was found an average of 8.4 ± 1.88 alleles and a frequency of 0.08 ± 0.056 of null alleles. The observed and expected heterozygosity values reached 0.68 ± 0.13 and 0.82 ± 0.07, respectively. The polymorphic information content ranged between 0.70 and 0.88, while the inbreeding coefficient varied between -0.38 and 0.45. Of the 15 loci analyzed, only CSSM66 had a Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and 4 of them showed a high level of inbreeding. It is concluded that the loci studied show high genetic variability and polymorphism. This provides ample information for paternity and identity studies. However, according to the consanguinity level, high genetic diversity should be considered when selecting bulls for artificial insemination programs.