Population structure of Auliekol cattle breed using 50K SNP BeadСhip

Abstract

The Auliekol cattle breed is one of the leading beef breeds in Kazakhstan, developed between the 1960s and 1990s by crossbreeding Kazakh Whiteheaded cattle with Charolais and Aberdeen Angus bulls. The breed combines adaptability, high productivity, and marbled meat quality. This study analyzed 48 blood samples of the Auliekol breed collected from farms in the Kostanay and Almaty regions. Genotyping was performed using the BovineSNP50 v.3 SNP array, an array containing ~50,000 SNPs that offers a comprehensive genetic assessment of bovine populations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to investigate the breed’s genetic structure, focusing on the contributions of the Kazakh Whiteheaded and European breeds. The PCA results revealed a unique genetic profile highlighting the Auliekol breed's hybrid nature and the influence of Kazakh and European genetics in shaping its traits. These findings affirm the effectiveness of selective breeding programs in creating a breed that is productive and well-suited to Kazakhstan’s diverse environmental conditions. The results further support the role of genetic improvement in developing economically valuable livestock breeds capable of thriving in various geographical regions.