Research Article | 08 Oct 2025

Microsatellite-based genetic diversity assessment of Donggala cattle (Bos indicus) in Indonesia: Insights for conservation and breeding

Yulius Duma1 , Paskah Partogi Agung2 , Mobius Tanari1 , Amirudin Dg. Malewa1 , Muhammad Ilyas Mumu1 , Syahruddin Said2 , Ferdy Saputra3 , Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin2 , Muhammad Gunawan2 , Tulus Maulana2 , Nina Herlina2 , and Damry Damry1 Show more
VETERINARY WORLD | pg no. 2981-2990 | Vol. 18, Issue 10 | DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.2981-2990
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Abstract

          
Background and Aim: Donggala cattle (Bos indicus), indigenous to Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, are recognized for their pro­ductive and reproductive performance. However, molecular information on their genetic diversity is scarce. Understanding genetic variability is essential for sustainable conservation and targeted breeding strategies. This study aimed to charac­terize the genetic diversity and relationships of Donggala cattle using microsatellite markers and advanced multivariate analyses.
Materials and Methods: Seventy-five blood samples were collected from unrelated Donggala cattle in Central Sulawesi. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified across ten Food and Agriculture Organization-recommended microsatellite loci. Allele frequency, observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity, and polymorphism information content (PIC) were calculated. Genetic distances and clustering were assessed using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Two- and three-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to visualize genetic differentiation, with comparative datasets from other Indonesian cattle breeds.
Results: High allelic diversity was detected, with SPS113 (12 alleles), ETH225 (11 alleles), and TGLA122 (9 alleles) being the most informative markers (PIC: 0.80–0.84). Ho was highest at ETH225 (0.95), reflecting substantial genetic variation. UPGMA and admixture analyses placed Donggala cattle closest to Pesisir cattle, though phenotypically more similar to larger B. indicus breeds such as Ongole Grade. The 3D PCA provided enhanced discriminatory power, distinctly separat­ing Donggala from exotic and crossbred cattle and differentiating Bali cattle from Banteng. AMOVA indicated that 22% of genetic variation existed among populations, while 21% was among individuals.
Conclusion: Donggala cattle exhibit considerable genetic diversity, underscoring their value as a reservoir for breeding and conservation programs. Microsatellite markers, particularly SPS113, ETH225, and TGLA122, proved highly informative for genetic assessment. The application of 3D PCA enhanced resolution in distinguishing closely related breeds, supporting its use in molecular characterization. These findings provide essential baseline data for sustainable management, conserva­tion, and genetic improvement of Donggala cattle.
          
Keywords: 3D principal component analyses, breeding, conservation, Donggala cattle, genetic diversity, microsatellite markers.