Comparison of BoLA-DRB3 genetic diversity among Polish Red-and-White (PRW) and Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cattle

Cattle breeding in Poland, including the maintenance of indigenous breeds, is exposed to the occurrence of many diseases of infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Bovine MHC (BoLA)-DRB3 is a highly polymorphic gene that plays an important role in the immune response to antigens. This pilot study aimed to analyze genetic diversity among Polish Red-and-White (PRW) and Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cattle. DNA sequencing revealed haplotypes for 48 out of 106 PRW and 10 out of 26 PHF cows. Analysis indicated 42 alleles detected in the PRW breed and 16 in the PHF animals. Interestingly, within the PRW breed three alleles BOLA03100|BoLADRB3* 001:01|554, BOLA03113|BoLA-DRB3*009:02|270 and BOLA03302|BoLA-DRB3*049:01|236 were observed in 24 cows. Overall, the presented study demonstrated the genetic diversity of the gene in the indigenous Polish Red-and-White cattle breed for the first time. The acquired results broaden the knowledge of diversity in cattle, whose genetic variants promote resistance or susceptibility to viral or bacterial diseases.