Study on the phylogenetic status of Lake Chad Kuri cattle using molecular markers

Abstract

The polymorphism of 25 autosomal genetic marker systems (i.e., 11 blood group systems, 5 lactoproteins loci and 9 microsatellites) was analyzed in a sample of the Lake Chad Kuri cattle population originating from shore areas and islands located in the Bol district. The results obtained, together with those previously reported for various populations of African taurine and zebu cattle, and for French breeds, were submitted to correspondence analysis and classification methods in an attempt to specify the phylogenetic status of the Kuri. Since the Kuri is humpless and has Bos taurus submetacentric Y chromosome, it is normally classified as taurine cattle. However, according to the present study based on autosomal markers the Kuri appears to be closer to zebu than to African taurine cattle. Non exclusive divergent explanations as to which period the zebu gene admixture can be traced back remain to be evaluated: relationship between Kuri and Sanga cattle of Southern Africa, introgression of the zebu during its expansion through the continent from the eighth century A.D. onwards or crossbreeding with zebus located around Lake Chad in recent times.