Cross-Species Genetic Marker Adaptation: Enhancing Genetic Defect Screening in Water Buffaloes Using Cattle Genetic Markers

Abstract Genetic defect screening plays a fundamental role in advancing the livestock industry by systematically identifying inherited aberrations in various animal species. This study applies DNA markers originally established for screening genetic defects in cattle, such as Bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD), Deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase (DUMPS), Citrullinemia, and Freemartin, to water buffaloes. Evaluating genomic relatedness between cattle and water buffaloes provides insights into leveraging well-established genetic information from cattle. A combination of PCR and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP) was employed to identify inherited heterozygous and recessive allele conditions. DNA sequencing validated PCR products, confirming specific base changes. Notably, a lethal mutation in cattle's BLAD was identified in normal buffaloes, raising questions about the suitability of established target gene markers for water buffaloes. However, the study highlights the efficacy of cattle gene markers for DUMPS, Citrullinemia, and Freemartinism in screening genetic defects in water buffaloes. This research establishes a standardized molecular method for breeders, facilitating the identification of at-risk animals and carriers to eliminate recessive defect genes in the Philippine livestock industry.