Mithun cross siri hybrids: cyto- and immunogenetic examinations and characterisation of abnormal spermatogenesis

Cytogenetic studies of the mithun (Bos frontalis), the siri (Bos indicus) and their hybrids, as well as histological examinations of testes and epididymis of siri and hybrids were undertaken to throw further light on male hybrid infertility and interspecies incompatibility, in order to facilitate the possible development of a stable interspecies crossbreed which would be similar to the highly profitable jatsum, the female mithun cross siri hybrid. In both species there are distinct centromeric heteromorphisms which should provide a rich source of genetic markers for tracing chromosomes in controlled hybrid programmes. The nucleolar organisers in the F1 hybrids were derived from both parents, in contrast to other interspecies hybrids where the nucleolar organisers of one species tend to be suppressed by the other. This indicates a relatively close relationship between mithun and siri and supports the prospect of success for developing a stable crossbreed. Transferrins which may also be a useful source of genetic markers were identified and differences between siris and mithuns noted, especially in the D-bands. No A-bands were found in the siris and no E-bands in the mithuns. Whether this is a breed or species characteristic will have to be confirmed by examination of more animals. The findings on blood groups and haemoglobins, including differences between the two species, were similar to results obtained previously. In meiosis the sex vesicles were intact which indicates that infertility and incompatibility factors should be located in autosomes. In cytogenetic and histological examinations the testes of the siris were comparable to those of European cattle, while in all hybrids spermatogenetic activity was deficient although there were great differences between and within generations. While the exact mechanism of this diversity is not known at this stage, it should make it possible to select for increased male hybrid fertility which would be a prerequisite for developing a stable interspecies crossbreed. This selection would be facilitated by correlating infertility and incompatibility with genetic profiles and markers. A mithun cross siri crossbreed would also serve as a model for other interspecies breeding.