The assessment of genetic diversity within and among the eight subpopulations of Japanese Black cattle using 52 microsatellite markers. (24th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nishimaki, Takahiro; Ibi, Takayuki; Tanabe, Yoshihiro; Miyazaki, Yoshiyuki; Kobayashi, Naohiko; Matsuhashi, Tamako; Akiyama, Takayuki; Yoshida, Emi; Imai, Kazumi; Matsui, Mayu; Uemura, Keiichi; Watanabe, Naoto; Fujita, Tatsuo; Saito, Yosuke; Komatsu, Tomohiko; Yamada, Takahisa; Mannen, Hideyuki; Sasazaki, Shinji; Kunieda, Tetsuo
• Is Part Of: Animal science journal. Volume 84:Number 8(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 585
• Page End: 591
• Publication Date: 2013-03-24
• Subjects: genetic diversity -- Japanese Black cattle -- microsatellite marker; Animal culture -- Periodicals; Livestock -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1111/asj.12045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1344-3941

Abstract

Abstract: Japanese Black cattle are at risk for genetic homogeneity due to intensive use of a few sires. Therefore, assessment of the actual genetic diversity of this breed is important for future breeding plans. In the present study, we investigated the genetic diversity within and among eight subpopulations of Japanese Black cattle using 52 microsatellite markers. The parameters for genetic diversity of Japanese Black cattle were comparable to those of other cattle breeds, suggesting that the relatively high genetic diversity of the breed. However, upon comparison among the eight subpopulations, the Hyogo subpopulation showed markedly low genetic diversity. The results of the pairwise F ST values, phylogenetic network and structure analysis indicated that the Hyogo population has remarkably high level of genetic differentiation from other populations, while Yamagata, Niigata, Hiroshima and Kagawa populations have low levels of genetic differentiation. Furthermore, multidimensional scaling plots indicated that individuals in some subpopulations were separated from individuals in the other subpopulations. We conclude that while the overall genetic diversity of Japanese Black cattle is still maintained at a relatively high level, that of a particular subpopulation is significantly reduced, and therefore the effective population size of the breed needs to be controlled by correct mating strategies.