Buffalo Breeding and Genetic Studies With a Focus on the Anatolian Buffalo, a Native Genetic Resource of Türkiye

Buffalo typically inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, wet grasslands with abundant rainfall or water and swampy areas. Globally, buffalo husbandry represents the second most widespread livestock activity after cattle. In many countries, buffaloes are of primary economic importance for both milk and meat production. The aim of this review is to focus on global buffalo husbandry with a specific emphasis on the Anatolian buffalo, Türkiye's native genetic resource and sole buffalo breed, while providing an overview of genetically important gene regions. The review is divided into two main sections. The first section, entitled 'Buffalo Population and Husbandry', discusses global buffalo population numbers, country-specific trends over the years, buffalo species and observations and recommendations regarding husbandry practices. This is followed by an analysis of buffalo population trends and related assessments in Türkiye. The second section, 'Buffalo Genetics, Genetic Studies, and Gene Regions', begins with a brief overview of general buffalo genetics and genetic diversity (characterization) studies. It then introduces gene regions that are central to buffalo production traits, specifically meat and milk, highlighting any reported significant alleles. Subsequently, genetic studies conducted on the Anatolian buffalo targeting these gene regions are summarized. To illuminate the breed's distinctive characteristics, attention has been given to the provinces from which samples were collected. For ease of comparison, the headings for gene regions in buffalo husbandry have been maintained in the section dedicated to the Anatolian buffalo.