Phylogenetic relationships and status quo of colonies for gayal based on analysis of cytochrome B gene partial sequences.

Thirty-three mutations and four different haplotypes were found when cytochrome b(Cytb) gene partial sequences of 12 gayals were analyzed. Together with sequences of Bos indicus, Bos taurus, Bos grunniens and Bos gaurus with Bubalus bubalis as the out group, the partial sequences of Cytb gene of gayals were aligned and base composition and nucleotide variation of Cytb gene were analyzed. The phylogenetic trees were constructed by the NJ method and the MP method respectively, both supporting almost the same topology. Gayal is an independent species of Bos from Bos indicus, Bos taurus and Bos gaurus. The results also indicate that a great proportion of gayal bloodline was invaded by other species, and the protection of gayal is facing a formidable situation.