Genetic diversity and population structure of Mongolian domestic Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus).

ABSTRACT: The tradition of animal husbandry in the context of a nomadic lifestyle has been of great significance in the Mongolian society. Both Bactrian camels and horses have been invaluable for the survival and development of human activities in the harsh arid environment of the Mongolian steppe. As camels offer unique and sustainable opportunities for livestock production in marginal agro-ecological zones, we investigated the current genetic diversity of three local Mongolian camel breeds and compared their levels of variation with common native Mongolian camels distributed throughout the country. Based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers, we found levels of genetic diversity in Mongolian populations similar to that reported for Chinese Bactrian camels and for dromedaries. Little differentiation

SUBMITTER: Chuluunbat B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4171754 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature