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Rethinking River Buffalo Domestication Through the Lens of Population Genetics Tools: Mehsana Buffalo Is a Unique
Rangasai Chandra Goli1,2, Kiyevi G Chishi1,2, Karan Mahar1
1ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.
Omics : a Journal of Integrative Biology
|April 15, 2025
Summary
Mehsana buffalo are a unique population, not a crossbreed of Murrah and Surti, though some individuals show limited ancestry from these breeds. This finding impacts livestock genetics and selective breeding strategies.
Area of Science:
- Animal Genetics and Genomics
- Livestock Breeding and Genetics
- Domestication Studies
Background:
- Riverine buffalo domestication in India dates back approximately 6300 years.
- Murrah and Surti are significant buffalo breeds from Northwestern India.
- The potential crossbreeding of Mehsana buffalo with Murrah and Surti breeds has been hypothesized but not fully explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the global and local ancestry of Indian Mehsana buffalo.
- To determine the extent of Murrah and Surti ancestry in Mehsana buffalo populations.
- To test the hypothesis that Mehsana buffalo are a crossbreed of Murrah and Surti.
Main Methods:
- Utilized double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing data.
- Employed principal component analysis, global ancestry analysis, and admixture dating.
- Conducted three population tests and local ancestry analysis, including post-admixture selection signatures (PASS).
Main Results:
- Mehsana buffalo constitute a statistically significant unique population, refuting the crossbreed hypothesis.
- Six out of 15 Mehsana individuals showed admixture, with 41% Murrah and 11% Surti ancestry.
- Local ancestry analysis revealed ancient Surti introgression and recent Murrah introgression, with selection signatures linked to adaptation and milk production.
Conclusions:
- Mehsana buffalo represent an independent genetic lineage, distinct from Murrah and Surti.
- The findings necessitate a re-evaluation of origins for other domesticated livestock breeds.
- This research provides a basis for selective breeding programs focused on disease resistance, adaptability, and production efficiency in buffalo.
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