Diversity analysis of DRB3 gene locus in indicus cattle- identification of novel PCR-RFLP allelic patterns

In the current study, genetic diversity analysis of MHC class II (DRB3) locus has been documented among indicus cattle breeds. Genotyping of 192 zebu cattle belonging to eight different breeds, was carried out to identify different allelic patterns by PCR-RFLP of BoLA DRB3 exon 2, revealing 43 different restriction patterns. Highest genetic diversity of BoLADRB3 gene was observed in Malnad Gidda and Gir and least in Mewati, Tharparkar and Sahiwal cattle. Allelic pattern, BM was the most frequently observed heterozygous pattern and with highest frequency among Mewati and Ladakhi cattle breeds. Few breed specific alleles also identified, which were found specifically in Tharparkar, Gir and Ongole breeds. This genetic information may be important for exploring the correlation between BoLADRB3 genetic diversity and disease susceptibility and overall allelic diversity status of the Indian cattle populations.