Screening of Gaolao cattle for chromosomal analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to screen Gaolao cattle for chromosomal abnormalities, focusing on numerical and structural aberrations impacting animal breeding and reproductive value. 150 Gaolaocattle (50 males and 100 females) were selected from Cattle Breeding Farm, Hettikundi and Bull Mother Farm Pohara of Wardha and Amaravati Districts Maharashtra, India. Bloodsamples were collected and cultured for cytogenetic analysis using RPMI-1640 medium, fetal bovine serum, and pokeweed mitogen. Giemsa staining and GTG-banding techniques were employed to examine chromosome number and morphology. The diploid chromosome number in Gaolao cattle was confirmed to be 2n = 60, consisting of 29 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes (60XX/XY). Autosomes displayed acrocentric morphology, while the ‘X’ chromosome was metacentric and the ‘Y’ chromosome was acrocentric. This research underscores the importance of cytogenetic screening in breeding programs to enhance productive and reproductive efficiency and genetic health of cattle populations.