Mitochondrial Phylogeny and Population Structure of Pakistani Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are one of the most important livestock species mainly used for milk and meat production in semi-arid and hot-desert expanses of the Arabian-Peninsula, Africa, and Southwest Asia. This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure within and between eight dromedary camel breeds (n = 210) inhabiting Balochistan province, Pakistan, by mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b). Sequences (1140 bp) analysis showed a total of 18 variable sites resulting in 16 haplotypes. The average haplotype and nucleotide diversities were Hd = 0.484 ± 0.051 and π = 0.00272 respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed different clusters for camelids. The neutrality tests did not support the population demographic expansion for these camel breeds. Based on these results, we suggest that an imperative genetic management and breeding strategies are required for the effective conservation of this species. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers