Genetic Diversity of Cattle in South China as Revealed by Blood Protein Electrophoresis

Genetic variation of 31 blood protein loci in236 cattle from eight South China populations (includingmithan, Bos frontalis) and a Holstein population wasinvestigated by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Thirteen loci (ALB, CAR, Hb-b,Np, PGM, Amy-I, PEP-B, AKP, 6PGD, Cp, Pa, EsD, and TF)were found to be polymorphic. The comparison of averageheterozygosities (H) shows that all the native cattle embrace a rich genetic diversity. Ourresults on protein polymorphism suggest that cattle inChina originated mainly from Bos indicus and Bos taurus;Xuwen, Hainan, Wenshan, and Dehong cattle and the Dehong zebu are close to zebu-type cattle,and Diqing and Zhaotong cattle are close to the taurine.The mithan was very different from other native cattle,and we suggest that its origin was complicated and may be influenced by other cattlespecies.