An investigation of genetic structure of buffalo populations in marmara region by using microsatellites

In this study, it was aimed to determine genetic diversity by using 20 microsatellite markers in four different buffalo populations (Istanbul, Tekirdağ, Balıkesir and Bursa) reared in the Marmara Region. As a result of the statistical analysis, a total of 179 alleles were detected. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 (ILSTS033) to 17 (ETH003). In the study, it was determined that the results of observed and expected heterozygosity values, which is another criterion of genetic diversity, varied between 0.547 and 0.625 and 0.583 and 0.684, respectively. In the study, the FIS values of the breeds were found to be between 0.11687 and 0.0658. The FST values of four different buffalo populations studied in the Marmara Region ranged between 0.00722 and 0.04832, and there is very little genetic variation. According to the result of the factorial correspondence analysis, it was observed that the individuals belonging to the Tekirdağ and Balıkesir populations were mixed and clustered in the middle, while the individuals belonging to the Istanbul and Bursa populations were more clearly separated and clustered in different axes. In the principal component analysis made in line with the data obtained from the study, it was observed that the individuals in the Istanbul and Tekirdağ populations were on a separate axis but in close proximity to each other, and this was thought to be due to the geographical proximity of the two populations. The fact that Tekirdağ and Balıkesir populations are in close positions on the same axis strengthens the idea that these two populations may be mixed. This study is the first genetic study in Anatolian buffalo populations specific to the Marmara Region and will be a source for future studies.