Four primary local cow breeds — North Bengal Gray Cattle in the northern region, Jersey Cow in Pabna, Meerkadim Cow in Munshiganj, and Red Cattle in Chittagong — are available in Bangladesh.
In a recent study, Bangladeshi scientists have unravelled the genetic secrets, or genome sequences, of the indigenous Mirkadim breed of cows in Munshiganj. Additionally, they have sequenced the genomes of local sheep and ducks.
This revelation was shared during a press conference held at the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) hall in Savar, Dhaka, on Thursday.
Experts believed that this breakthrough will play a crucial role in animal conservation, meat production, and specialization. Simultaneously, this research will provide valuable insights into the distinctive characteristics of these animals.
According to the NIB, genome sequencing research for indigenous cows, sheep, and ducks commenced on January 12, 2023.
A research team led by Dr Md Salimullah, chief scientific officer and director general of the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB), unravelled the life mysteries of these three animals.
Scientists explained that the genome represents an organism's complete life blueprint. All biological functions, including morphology, birth, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to the environment, are orchestrated based on the instructions stored within its genome.
Whole genome sequencing involves deciphering the arrangement of all nucleotides (molecules) within an organism's genome. The complete genome sequence provides insights into the total number of genes, their characteristics, and their functions within an organism, the scientists added.
During the press conference, Mohammad Ujjal Hossain, head of NIB's Bioinformatics Department, presented a visual report showcasing the research findings.