Chromosome conservation in the Bovidae

The chromosomes of 12 bovid species were harvested from fibroblast cultures after incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into early replicating DNA. Q-band karyotypes were constructed, and, when possible, autosomal arms were numbered according to the cattle standard karyotype. Diploid chromosome number ranged from 30 to 60, yet, based on band similarity, chromosome-arm homologies were extensive. Employing the cattle karyotype as the standard, autosomal-arm differences indicative of possible syntenic disruption were noted for only chromosomes 3, 9, and 14. While chromosome-arm homologies were extensive, shared homologous biarmed chromosomes were rare. The commonness of monobrachially homologous biarmed chromosomes among some bovids (e.g., Antilopinae) suggested that reproductive isolation and speciation in some instances might have resulted from centric fusion events.