Study of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) of the Iraqi marsh buffalo

Abstract

The study focused on examining a considerable part of the mitochondrial genome in the local buffalo of Al-Jubayish marshes to understand how much genetic variation exists within this population compared to buffalo breeds from other countries. Blood was collected from twenty animals, and the extracted DNA was amplified using a set of specific primers that cover several mtDNA genes. After confirming successful amplification, the samples were sent for sequencing, and the resulting FASTA files were analyzed through alignment, detection of variable sites, and the construction of a phylogenetic tree. A haplotype network was also prepared to show how the maternal lines are distributed among the animals. When the local sequences were compared with a larger set of global sequences, the results showed that the buffalo of Al-Jubayish have only five haplotypes—far fewer than those recorded in Indian, Egyptian, or Chinese buffalo. The analyses also revealed low values for both haplotype and nucleotide diversity, which means that the animals in this region are genetically quite similar to one another. The number of nucleotide differences was modest as well, supporting the idea of limited diversity in the local herd. Tajima’s D value was close to zero, suggesting that the population has not undergone recent major changes or strong selective pressures.

Four variable sites were identified in the mtDNA fragment that was examined, and although the genotype frequencies differed slightly among individuals, the overall variation remained narrow. The haplotype network demonstrated that most Iraqi buffalo grouped into two main maternal clusters. One of these clusters included individuals that shared lineages with buffalo from India and Egypt, hinting at older historical connections. The other cluster appeared more specific to the Iraqi samples, likely shaped by geographic isolation and traditional breeding practices in the marshlands. Overall, the findings indicate that while the genetic diversity of local buffalo is lower than that seen in many global breeds, this stability may reflect long-term adaptation to the marsh environment and could be valuable in future conservation efforts.