The Genetic Relationship between Regional Population of Hanwoo Brands (Korean Cattle) Using Microsatellite Markers

Nine brand populations of Hanwoo cattle were characterized using 11 microsatellite DNA markers. The studied populations were: Ansung, Yangpyang, DaeGwanryeng, Palkongsangkangwoo, Hoengseong, Jangsu, Sumjinkang, Hadong, Nam-hae. The observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and polymorphism information content were calculated. Allele frequencies were calculated and used for the characterization of each brand population and to study their genetic relationships. Genetic distances were estimated using Nei`s DA genetic distance and the resultant DA matrix was used in the construction of phylogenetic trees. The NJ tree showed that Ansung and Yangpyang, Sumjinkang and Jangsu, Namhae and Ha-Dong are closely related and are considered to have undergone genetic exchange within the same locale. This study will contribute to the local Hanwoo brand industry.