Parentage verification in field progeny testing program of Mehsana buffalo

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Accurate parentage testing is crucial for selective breeding programs in livestock.
• Mehsana buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) require efficient genetic tools for herd improvement.
• Microsatellite markers offer high polymorphism for genetic analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multiplex microsatellite panel for parentage testing in Mehsana buffalo.
• To assess the reliability and efficiency of the developed panel.
• To establish a tool for routine parentage verification and sire assignment.

Main Methods:

• Genomic DNA extraction from blood and semen samples of 212 Mehsana buffalo.
• Amplification of 10 selected microsatellite markers in a single multiplex reaction.
• Analysis of amplified markers using capillary electrophoresis on an automated DNA sequencer.

Main Results:

• High expected heterozygosity (mean 0.762) and polymorphic information content (>0.7) for most loci.
• Total exclusion probability of 0.993, indicating high accuracy in parentage exclusion.
• 81% of daughters were compatible with Mendelian inheritance, confirming parentage accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiplex microsatellite panel is a fast, robust, and reliable tool for Mehsana buffalo parentage testing.
• The panel enables accurate sire assignment in progeny testing programs.
• This method is suitable for routine application in buffalo breeding programs.