Simple sequence repeat (SSR) genotypic data reveal high genetic diversity in Rajasthan donkey of India

Abstract

Spiti is the only breed of donkey in the list of 160 breeds registered so far for the indigenous germplasm. It points towards the fact that Indian donkey diversity is largely unexplored, in spite of its role in support system of poorest of the poor countrymen. Rajasthan state harbours more than eighty thousand donkey. Genetic diversity underpins population resilience and persistence so a need was felt for the systematic and scientific evaluation of existing diversity in this population. The diversity status of Rajasthan donkey population was investigated by using 20 microsatellite markers. Two of the loci, HMS5 and ASB17, depicted less than 4 alleles and were thus excluded from further analyses. Rajasthan donkey was found to host considerable diversity. This conclusion is evidenced by the number of alleles observed across loci (average 8.16±0.89), and by mean observed heterozygosity (0.688±0.06). Signatures of inbreeding could not be detected by the FIS indices in the Rajasthan donkey population. The population did not suffer any bottleneck in the recent past. The study provides the first scientific assessment of the genetic diversity status of Rajasthan donkey population. This information on the genetic analysis can be used in conjunction with the information on physical and phenotypic characteristics and management practices for registration of this population as a breed.