Study on genetic diversity of Mazandarni native and Holstein cattle using ISSR-PCR marker

The aim of this study was to investigate genetic diversity in Mazandaranian native cattle in compared to Holstein breed, using Inter microsatellite (ISSR) markers. A total of 175 animals, including 71 Mazandaranian and 104 cattle of Holstein breed were screened. The extraction of DNA samples were carried out using modified salting out method. (AG)9C was used as ISSR primer in PCR reaction. Analyzing of banding patterns showed 30 (93.75%) and 24 (75%) polymorphic bands in native and Holstein herds, respectively. Genetic variation indices, including observed number of alleles, effective number of alleles, Shannon index and Nei’s gene diversity in indigenous cattle were higher than in Holstein. Lower level of diversity in Holstein cattle may be of the consequence of applying intensive selection programs and artificial insemination; however native cattle have been less affected by artificial selection. Knowledge of genetic diversity in indigenous breeds provides important information for management of native resources in order to avoid inbreeding depression and maintain genetic variability.