Bangkok Post – Boost for Thai swamp buffalo genome sequencing

A whole genome sequencing method will be applied to Thai marsh buffalo to preserve their pristine genetics, according to the Livestock Development Department, which said the move follows King Rama X’s conservation efforts for the animal breed.

Department head Somchuan Ratanamungklanon revealed on Friday the establishment of “Research and Development of Thai Marsh Buffalo Using Genomics,” a collaborative project involving experts in animal science, veterinary medicine and agricultural technology from various universities and research agencies.

Its aim is to identify important genomic markers in Thai marsh buffalo using whole genome sequencing and to contribute to establishing a national information center and a national genomic database for them.

According to Mr Somchuan, these animals have several exceptional characteristics, including resistance to harsh climates and diseases. They are also easy to feed and renowned for their ability to work hard.

The strain could also be developed for cattle meat and other products for consumption, he said.

“If we can improve the quality of buffalo meat, skin and milk, we can add more value to these Thai swamp buffalo,” he said.

Teams of researchers have begun collecting DNA from 680 Thai marsh buffalo at 20 sites across the country for the genome sequencing project.

So far, it has been found that buffaloes from different regions have different genetic types, giving them unique identities. The research also showed that Thailand’s primitive swamp buffalo could become extinct within a decade unless action is taken to protect and preserve them.

Sukanya Leethongdee of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at Mahasarakham University expressed concern over the matter, saying the faculty was working closely with the local community to make more use of science and technology in animal husbandry.

His team specializes in selecting the sex of newborn buffalo through a process called preimplantation to better meet customer demand.

“With this method, we could quickly increase populations of swamp buffalo in Thailand. And it is important to ensure that they belong to a primitive strain,” she said, adding that many swamp buffalo currently present in the country are of mixed blood.

Thailand has about 1.7 million swamp buffalo, according to Mr Somchuan.