IDENTIFICATION OF ANATOLIAN BUFFALOES BREED IN THE PROVINCE OF TOKAT BASED ON COI (MITOCHONDRIAL CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE SUBUNIT I) GENE REGION

This study aimed to barcode the COI gene region for molecular identification and taxonomic classification of Anatolian buffaloes breed in the province of Tokat. In the study, blood samples were taken from 20 randomly selected Anatolian buffaloes breed in the Central, Turhal, and Pazar districts of Tokat. Sequence data of 709-base pair long COI gene region in Anatolian buffaloes were obtained. The sequences of COI gene region in buffalo species were analyzed in the MEGA program and a phylogenetic tree was created. In light of the data, the intra-species genetic difference of the population in Tokat was calculated as 0.002 and the inter-species genetic distance was statistically insignificant. In addition, the inter-species distance was determined by a phylogenetic tree. As a result of the phylogenetic tree, it was confirmed that Anatolian buffaloes breed in Tokat belong to Bubalus Bubalis species. For five of the studied buffalo samples formed a subgroup. The other samples were divided into different branches.In conclusion, it is thought that the study findings will significantly contribute to the literature, that DNA barcoding techniques can be used in determination the genetic characterization of Anatolian buffaloes, and that it will shed light on relevant studies to be carried out.