Genetic characterization and conservation priority of Sudanese indigenous cattle breeds

The objective of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of Sudanese indigenous cattle breeds and to identify population priorities for conservation purposes. In total, 220 unrelated individuals were used belonging to five Sudanese cattle breeds: Butana, Kenana and White Nile are dairy cattle breeds and Elgash and Erashy are dual purpose breeds. The examined breeds are from four different states (River Nile, Sennar, Al Gezira, and Kassala). In addition, German Holstein (GH) and Deutsches Schwarzbuntes Niederungsrind (DSN) were included as out-groups to determine the distance between breeds and potential contribution by hidden crossbreeding. The research was done in three different case studies outlined below. From the results presented here, I suggest for the maintenance of highest diversity to focus particularly on Butana cattle, followed by Elgash, Erashy, White Nile and Kenana. Since the current study did not mirror very well the specific characteristics of Elgash and Erashy, the dual purpose breeds, additional studies are suggested with a higher density of genetic markers that would account for the whole genome much better before final decision are made.