Bovine Breeds Identification by Trichological Analysis

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study examined the hair of Brazilian local cattle breeds in order to verify the possibility of use this technique as a racial marker. The trichological analysis is a non-invasive method that allows the determination of the species, or even the breed, of mammals by means of the combination of the main microstructures of the hairs. This kind of analysis has been used to identify species in ecological, paleontological, archaeological, contaminating materials of human food and forensic issues, but has been little explored in agriculture. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify bovine breeds through trichological morphology and morphometry and to validate this technique by comparing it with genetic characterization. Animals from Caracu, Curraleiro Pé-Duro, Nelore, and Bovino Pantaneiro breeds were studied. Morphological and morphometric analyses of the guard hairs were performed. The cuticular pattern was observed on the shaft and the medulla pattern on the shield of the samples. The cattle genetic characterization was accomplished using microsatellite markers. Statistical analyses were performed using R version 3.2.4 software. Pearson’s correlation test showed a high positive and significant correlation between the matrices generated by trichological and genetic analyses (r = 0,996 and p < 0.001). Trichological analysis is a useful method for cattle breed identification. Its potential for identifying other species of interest for animal production should be studied since it is a simple, low-cost, and non-invasive method.