GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ALBINOID SWAMP BUFFALOES (Bubalus kerabau, Fitzinger, 1860) IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

White swamp buffaloes or albinoids are having pink skin that is covered with white hair, black spots on the entire body, and freckles on the muzzle. The Lamac Cooperative, in Pinamungajan Municipality in Cebu, favors raising abinoids in the community for tourism as white buffalo producing milk. The study aimed to verify the species identification and population structure. Fifty-four blood samples from white water buffaloes from Lamac and Pinamungajan in Cebu and other populations in the country were included in the analysis. Twelve microsatellite markers were used for the population structure and breed categories for pure swamp, pure riverine, F1 (swamp x riverine), F2 (F1 crosses), backcrosses swamp, and riverine using Bayesian model-based clustering. Population structure analysis resulted in 69.8% membership coefficient to swamp populations in Carabao Island in Romblon and Pitogo Island in Bohol. The white buffaloes had also 92.2% posterior probability (PP) to the swamp group. However, one white buffalo fell in the F1 category at 77% PP. Research findings established the albionoids’ baseline information on their DNA profiles, which is valuable information for developing rational conservation and management in the Philippines.