Genetic Characterization of Selected Buffalypso (Bubalus bubalis) from Trinidad and Tobago for Potential Use in a Conservation Genetics Programme

The water buffalo (Bos Bubalus bubalis) species has been bred in many countries for its incredible production value and benefits to humans. The Buffalypso population in Trinidad and Tobago was an isolated, cross-breed selected for meat production and utilized as well for milk and draft animals. Microsatellite loci are highly polymorphic and are used as ideal markers of genetic variation, commonly used for marker-assisted selection, determination of genetic diversity and genome mapping in Bos species. Limited microsatellite markers have been characterized in water buffalo for use as Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs). Since the water buffalo and cattle are closely related, cattle derived microsatellite markers were used in this study to genetically characterize 33 individual animals in an isolated Buffalypso population. Ten microsatellite markers were used, but markers BOLADRB1 and MAF45 failed to amplify in any of the 33 samples tested. Unique alleles were observed for all markers that were successfully amplified in the study. The CSSM36 marker was detected in highest proportion of alleles in the Buffalypso population. This pilot project was done to determine proof of principle for expansion to a nationwide Buffalypso genetic characterization study. We propose using comparative genomic tools in a conservation genetics programme in establishment of select breeding groups from the descendants of the Bennett-bred animals, to conserve and optimize traits of production and disease resistance.