Maternal genetic phylogeography analysis of Kyrgyz native cattle

This study presents the first mitochondrial DNA analysis of native cattle in Kyrgyzstan, examining sequences from the D-loop region of 20 Kyrgyz native cattle. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to estimate the genetic diversity and lineages, revealing two major haplogroups (T and I). Regional analysis showed a significant frequency difference (p < 0.05) between these haplogroups: Haplogroup I was found to be more prevalent (0.556) in the lower elevation areas (elevation ~1000 m) and less prevalent (0.100) in the higher elevations (elevation ~2500 to 3000 m), suggesting that environmental factors influence genetic distribution among Kyrgyz cattle. Three sub-haplogroups T2, T3, and T4 were observed within major haplogroup T, whereas only one sub-haplogroup (I1) was observed in this study. We also compared the distribution patterns of haplogroups T and I in Kyrgyz with those of some areas in Asia previously reported and found that in Central and Northeast Asia, haplogroup T was dominant, but the gene flow of haplogroup I was also present. The results of this study underscore the importance of regional environmental factors, including altitude, in shaping the genetic structure of livestock populations and would be useful to understand the historical movements and adaptations of Kyrgyz native cattle.