Genetic Diversity of the N’Dama Breed in Mali Using SSR Markers

The N'Dama race, trypanotolerant and well adapted to the climatic conditions of Mali, is threatened of disappearance by the introduction of other genes by means of the artificial insemination with the exotic races or zebus. In order to adopt preservation and conservation strategies, it is important to study the genetic characteristics of the race across the country. In this study, carried out on the race in its cradle (Yanfolila district, Sikasso region), the genetic diversity of 119 N'Dama race, from the Madina-Diassa Center for Preservation, Multiplication and Dissemination of Endemic Ruminant Livestock, was evaluated with 9 microsatellite markers (SSR). A total of 60 alleles were obtained. The number of alleles varied from 2 (BM 1824) to 12 (INRA 37) with an average of 6.67 per locus. The PIC ranked from 0.39 (BM 1824) to 0.9183 (INRA 37) with an average of 0.6605. Genetic diversity ranged from 0.4293 (BM 1824) to 0.9228 (INRA) with an average of 0.6908. The 119 N'Dama races were classified into two groups I and J according to the genetic similarities revealed by the 9 SSR markers using the UPGMA method. Group J was formed with the majority (85%) of individuals and composed of four (4) clusters J 1 , J 2 , J 3 and J 4 . The 69 Nd, 71 Nd and 72 Nd individuals showed strong dissimilar compared to other individuals in group J and formed cluster J 1 . Moreover, one cluster, with 15% of individuals, was belonged to Group I. The results of this study will contribute to the application of molecular tools and strengthen strategies for conservation, preservation and genetic improvement of the N’Dama race in Mali.