ND1 Gene Analysis in Beef Cattle for Sustainable Genetic Resource Management

Abstract The mitochondrial ND1 gene encodes the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain and can be considered a candidate gene associated with adaptation to high-altitude environments. This study aimed to identify sequence variations in the ND1 gene and to assess the genetic relationships among Bali, PO, and Wagyu-Bali crossbred cattle. A total of 12 samples were analyzed, consisting of 2 Bali, 5 PO, and 5 Wagyu-Bali crossbred cattle. Identification of ND1 gene SNPs and phylogenetic analysis were performed using the Neighbor-Joining method with 1,000 bootstrap replicates in the MEGA7 software. Genetic diversity of the ND1 gene in beef cattle revealed three SNPs of SNP c.459G/A, c.691T/A, and c.693T/C. Therefore, the SNPs identified need further study about heat resistance adaptation, particularly in Bali cattle and other breeds. The genetic distance between the cattle breeds showed minor variations, with the highest genetic difference (0.00410) found between PO cattle and Wagyu-Bali crossbreds. However, the phylogenetic tree analysis based on the ND1 gene must describe clear distinctions among the cattle breeds studied.