K.P. Singh

Evaluation of genetic variability and mutation drift equilibrium of Banni buffalo using multi locus microsatellite markers

The present study was conducted to evaluate genetic diversity of Banni buffalo and its relationship/differentiation with Murrah using genotypic data on 24 heterologus bovine specific microsatellite marker loci. A total of 138 alleles were observed with a mean of 5.75 alleles/locus across two populations. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were found to be 0.441 and 0.572 respectively in Banni buffaloes while it was 0.464 and 0.610 respectively in Murrah buffaloes. The average heterozygosity deficit was significantly positive with substantially higher values observed in Banni (22.3%) and Murrah (24%) buffalo populations. Banni buffalo population, when evaluated for mutation drift equilibrium revealed significant heterozygosity excess under IAM while no such excess was observed under SMM and TPM. The qualitative graphical test revealed a normal L-shaped distribution of allele frequencies indicating the absence of genetic bottleneck in Banni buffaloes. The mean estimates of F-statistics over all the loci were 0.376 for FIT, 0.187 for FST and 0.232 for FIS respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 18.95% of the total variation being explained by between breed differences while 14.36% of the variation explained differences between individuals within each breed. Genotype assignment test revealed distinct clustering of Banni and Murrah buffaloes. Genetic distance was estimated using three different methods, the results of which revealed considerable genetic differentiation between these two buffalo populations. The divergence time between Banni and Murrah buffaloes was estimated to be around 7286 years. The results of the present study may be helpful in decision making for conservation programs as Banni buffalo population is on decline.

Microsatellite Marker Based Characterization of Genetic Diversity in Kankrej Cattle

Abstract Sodhi, M, Mukesh, M., Prakash, B., Mishra, B.P, Sobti, R.C., Singh, K.P. and Ahlawat, S.P.S. 2007. Microsatellite marker based characterization of genetic diversity in Kankrej cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res, 31: 153–158. This study contributes to the knowledge of genetic structure I diversity of Kankrej cattle (a dual purpose breed) from Gujarat state of India. Molecular data generated using bovine specific microsatellite markers was utilized to assess the existing genetic diversity. The mean number of observed and effective alleles was 8.2 and 4.2, respectively. The average observed heterozygosity values (0.694) compared to the average expected heterozygosity values (0.717) did not show significant differences in the selected population (P>0.05), suggesting random mating in Kankrej. The allele diversity and gene diversity values imply a substantial amount of genetic variability in Kankrej cattle. Population inbreeding estimates (FIs = −0.013) indicated the absence of inbreeding (P<0.05) in this breed.

Occurrence of capillarid eggs in turkeys and guinea fowls in India

Abstract Singh, H., Mishra, A.K. and Rao, J.R. 2006. Occurrence of capaillarid eggs in turkeys and guinea fowls in India. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 29: 7–8. To know the prevalence of capillariosis in turkeys and guinea fowls at an organised farm in India, pooled faecal samples from 102 turkeys and 150 guinea fowls were subjected to floatation techniques for detection of eggs. Representative faecal samples revealed 5% turkeys and 46% guinea fowls positive for Capillaria sp. The capillarid eggs from turkeys were in the range of 42 x 25 μm while those from guinea fowls ranged 37 x 20 μm. This appears to be the first report on occurrence of Capillaria sp. in turkeys and guinea fowls in India.

Distribution of major allelic variants at exon-IV of kappa casein gene in Indian native cattle.

Abstract Sodhi, M., Mishra, B.P., Prakash, B., Kaushik, R., Singh, K.P. and Mukesh, M. 2010. Distribution of major allelic variants at exon-IV of kappa casein gene in Indian native cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 38: 117–121. The present study was aimed to screen the pattern of major allelic variants of kappa casein (κ-CN) locus across 744 animals representing 17 Indian native cattle breeds adapted to different agroclimatic regions. A 935 bp fragment of κ-CN exon IV region was PCR amplified and digested with HindIII and HaeIII restriction enzymes to reveal the frequency distribution of A, B and E alleles. The digestion with HindIII pattern revealed a single 935 bp fragment or three fragments of 935, 520 and 415 bps, whereas HaeIII digestion displayed a monomorphic pattern of 641 and 294 bps fragments in all the studied samples. On analysis, only two alleles A and B were detected. AA genotype was most commonly distributed (0.818), with predominance of A allele (0.908). The present analysis indicated contrasting allelic pattern at κ-CN locus in Indian native cattle in comparison to that reported for Bos Taurus.