Assessment of genetic diversity among cross breed hybrids of Yak and cattle using geo-phenotypic and molecular marker

Three weeks field survey was conducted to validate the indigenous practices of Bhotia tribe about the hybridization between local cow with Yak (?) in high altitude which is their summer settlement. For this study. One male Yak, three Cows with its offspring of two Jhupu (?, sterile hybrid), seven Jumo (? fertile hybrid), two Talbuni (?, fertile hybrid), three Talbu (?, sterile hybrid), and four Bulls (fertile hybrid) were taken. Geo-phenotypic data showed that Yak can survive at high altitude (above 3500 m asl) only while the cross breed animals Jhupu, Jhumo, Talbuni and Talbu can survive at both the altitudes (2000-4000 m asl). The distinguishing characters of some hybrids like Talbuni and Jhumo are golden brown body color and small thick sickle shape horn respectively. A RAPD profiling was used to validate the parent and hybrids relationships. When the RAPD data were used to construct dendrogram, Talbuni,Talbu, Jhumo and local bull were in one group. Dendrogram data suggested that parent and hybrids used in the study were following standard hybridization pattern but their actual parent were different. In correlation studies Jumo showed negative correlation with Talbu, Bull and Yak. These results are well supported by traditional practices and also suggest that introgression of yak gene in the local should be tightly controlled.