Genetic distance between Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle and breeds raised in Brazil and the United States

The present work evaluated the genetic distance, similarities, particularities and genetic structure of two local breeds and two Brazilian zebu, comparing them with fifteen commercial and locally adapted North American bovine breeds of diverse origins through 34 microsatellites and several molecular statistical analysis programs. The results showed that the degree of differentiation between the studied races indicates low gene flow among the populations analyzed, which demonstrates reproductive isolation. It is also obvious the wide variation between individuals (75%) and the small variation between races (25%), mainly among the North American. The animals grouped according to their geographical origins. Work involving locally adapted breeds is scarce, since these animals are not as productive as commercial breeds in use today. However, these tropically adapted groups can be used in crosses with more productive exotic breeds, but less adapted to the prevalent conditions in tropical and subtropical regions. The great genetic distance observed among Brazilian Bos taurus, locally adapted, with zebu and North American commercial breeds is a good indication of the potential use of those in mates looking to the gain provided by heterosis and meat quality improvement produced in Brazil and sustainability of livestock activity by the use of locally adapted cattle.