Screening of Gaolao cattle for chromosomal analysis
Author(s): SJ Komatwar, MP Sawane, MM Chopade, BS Katkade, SB Khade and KN Pawankar
Abstract: This study aimed to screen Gaolao cattle for chromosomal abnormalities, focusing on both numerical and structural aberrations that impact animal breeding and reproductive value. A total of 150 Gaolao cattle (50 males and 100 females) were selected from breeding farms in Maharashtra, India. Blood samples 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. The study also confirmed the presence of Robertsonian translocation (1:29), a known cause of reduced fertility. This research underscores the importance of cytogenetic screening in breeding programs to enhance reproductive efficiency and genetic health of cattle populations.
