Survey of Efficiency of Six Microsatellite Loci in Iranian Indigenous Cattle and Buffalo Populations

Abstract

Genetic diversity of three native buffalo populations from Azarie, Mazandaranie and Khuzestanie and two<br />Iranian cattle breeds namely Sistanie and Taleshie were estimated using six microsatellite markers. Thirty<br />individuals were randomly selected from each population/ breed. Total genomic DNA was extracted by an<br />optimized phenol–chloroform extraction method. The extracted DNA was amplified through polymerase<br />chain reaction (PCR). Of the six microsatellite loci used in this study, two loci (ETH10 and ETH 225) were<br />monomorphic within the three buffalo populations. Genetic distance between the populations was estimated<br />by Fst (two by two) method. Maximum genetic distance was observed between Khuzestanie and<br />Mazandaranie buffalo populations (55%); whereas the minimum genetic distance (31%) was observed<br />between Khuzestanie and Azarie populations. Values of both polymorphic information content (PIC) and heterozygosity (observed and expected) were higher within two cattle breeds as compared to those estimated<br />for three buffalo populations.