Genomic Characterization of Indian Mithun (Bos frontalis), Wild Gaur (Bos gaurus) and Tho-Tho Cattle (Bos indicus) – Population Diversity, Unique Phylogenetic and Chromosomal Status

Mithun (Bos frontalis) or gayal and Indian Bison or wild gaur (Bos gaurus) are listed among India's rare and endangered bovine species. The remote location of mithun in four North Eastern Hill states (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram), scattered population size, and lack of genetic diversity status are major constraints to developing an appropriate breeding and conservation policy for these species. Tho-tho cattle are indigenous to Nagaland, sharing similar geographical locations with mithun. Genomic markers (bovine microsatellites) and complete sequence data of mitochondrial transmembrane protein coding cytochrome B (CYTB) gene were utilized for the assessment of various population parameters and genetic diversity of mithun, gaur, and Tho-tho cattle. Molecular cytogenetic analysis using FISH revealed ancestral proximity of mithun with gaur, rather than cattle species. This study represents the first comprehensive genomic and cytogenetic characterization showing the population structure, genetic diversity, and unique phylogenetic status of rare Indian bovines: Mithun, wild gaur, and Tho-tho cattle.