The rare mtDNA haplogroup P observed in Japanese Holstein cattle

Abstract

In previous study, we detected the rare mtDNA haplogroup P in Japanese Shorthorn cattle, suggesting that haplogroup P in Japanese Shorthorn may be derived from northern Japanese native cattle. In this study, we surveyed existence of the haplogroup P in other Japanese native cattle in northern area. We developed PCR-RFLP method for detecting haplogroup P, and analyzed a total of 388 individuals (Japanese Black and Japanese Holstein) in Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures. As a result, we detected haplogroup P in two Holstein individuals in Hokkaido prefecture (2/105). These were same as previously detected haplotypes P (Japanese Shorthorn, Hanwoo, Chinese Holstein). Considering old historical documents in northern Japan and no report of haplogroup P in any modern European breeds so far, the Hokkaido Holstein would have received genetic influence from native cattle in northern Japan. Our finding suggests that native Japanese cattle in northern area would have different propagation root from northern Eurasian continent.