Genetic diversity of brazilian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using DNA microsatellites

Abstract

Genetic diversity of Brazilian buffaloes is studied using a panel of twenty-five DNA microsatellite markers (CSSM41, CSSM8, CSRM60, CSSM33, BM1818, HEL13, MAF65, CSSME70, HSC, BRN,CSSM36, CSSM22, HAUT24, BM1824, SRCRSP8, TGLA227, ILSTS33, INRA23, BM8125, CSSM19, INRA37, CSSM66, ILSTS011, OarFCB48, SPS115). Forty samples randomly chosen from each of the Brazilian Buffaloes populations (Carabao, Jafarabadi, Mediterraneo, Murrah and Baio) were analyzed. Anyway the homogeneity test between observed and expected heterozygosity and the results of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium pointed out the stability of Baio and Carabao populations. Genetic distances, factorial analysis and individual assignation values showed that Baio, Mediterraneo and Murrah form a common genetic cluster as shown by their high genetic similarity in spite of their morphological divergence. That Carabao is a member of a different subspecies is confirmed. These findings demonstrate the success of Brazilian Baio and Carabao conservation efforts, and point to the need to develop new strategies of conservation for the remaining Brazilian buffalo populations.