Genetic diversity and population structure of Malawi Zebu cattle
Journal Title: International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences (IJPSS) - Year 2012, Vol 2, Issue 9
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of Malawi Zebu cattle using microsatellite DNA markers. Blood samples were collected in 5 administrative districts of Malawi and analysed at the DNA Laboratory, University of Malawi, Chancellor College, Zomba, Malawi. As a comparison base, samples were collected from a group of Brahman cattle performing at a commercial herd in Zomba district. A total of 15 sites were sampled giving a total of 541 random blood samples. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 to 15 with the minimum allele length of 98 base pairs (bp) and maximum allele length of 160bp. Malawi Zebu cattle were found to be more polymorphic than Brahman. Most of the Malawi zebu populations were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and more than 95% of the population-locus combinations were heterozygous. Gene flow among the populations was higher between districts than within districts, 2.04-2.40 migrants per generation between districts versus 0.36-1.27 migrants per generation within districts). The exchange of genetic material is influenced more by socioeconomic factors like trade and payment of dowry than any conscience genetic improvement practice. Three main clusters of Malawi Zebu were identified in the sampled population. With no organized conservation and improvement programmes currently available, there is need to mobilize on-farm genetic conservation and utilisation programmes and improvement strategies for the indigenous genetic resource, Malawi zebu.
Authors and Affiliations
Wisdom Changadeya, Aggrey J. D. Ambali, John C. Nyirenda, Mizeck G. G. Chagunda, Emmanuel Kaunda
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP41751
- DOI -
- Views 355
- Downloads 0
IMPLEMENTATION OF IMAGE STEGANOGRAPHY USING LEAST SIGNIFICANT BIT INSERTION TECHNIQUE.
Transferring information on internet or on any public network is very common now-a-days. However I is not a secure mean of transformation for transmitting any important information. Anyone can hack, peek or copy the in...
Climate change threat in the context of food security challenges in India
Climate change acts as a threat multiplier, making the challenges of sustainable food security more difficult. For millions of people in the developing countries the major issue is how to face the threat to their food...
The Impact of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme on Local Farmers in Nigeria
Agriculture in Nigeria has being facing a lot of challenges for a long period of time. These challenges include: sheer neglect by successive administrations after the discovery of crude oil, low productivity occasioned...
WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN BPO SECTOR
Purpose: The role of work has changed throughout the world due to economic conditions and social demands. Throughout the years, the role of work has evolved and the composition of the workforce has changed. Today, work...
GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIA
In the present context, women expect equal status from the government, organizations and the society. They seem to be right in their attitude because the model of women entrepreneurial leaders and professional executiv...