Mitochondrial sequence based characterization and morphometric assessment of Diara buffalo population

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Zoology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• The Diara buffalo is an indigenous breed found in the Gangetic marshy plains of Bihar, India.
• This breed is well-adapted to wet field conditions and is traditionally used for ploughing and puddling in paddy cultivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform phenotypic characterization of the Diara buffalo population.
• To analyze the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) d-loop region for genetic diversity and relationships.

Main Methods:

• Collected biometric data from 172 Diara buffaloes using standard morphometric measurements.
• Isolated genomic DNA and sequenced the 358-bp mitochondrial d-loop region.
• Compared generated sequences with existing data from riverine and swamp buffaloes.

Main Results:

• Morphometric analysis revealed distinctive features, including a long head with a broad forehead and erect ears.
• Mitochondrial d-loop analysis grouped Diara buffaloes with riverine buffalo haplotypes.
• Identified 7 mtDNA d-loop haplotypes in Diara buffaloes, with high haplotype diversity (0.9643), and found shared haplotypes with swamp breeds and the Orissa buffalo population.

Conclusions:

• Diara buffaloes possess unique morphometric traits, such as a broad forehead, aiding in their identification.
• The breed's germplasm is highly adapted to the marshy riverine environment of the Ganga and its tributaries.
• Diara buffalo represents a valuable genetic resource requiring urgent conservation.