Comparative investigations of bovine karyotypes

Comparative investigations of bovine karyotypes were performed by means of different fluorescence methods. The species concerned were cattle, zebu, bison, yak, goat, sheep, mufflon, gir, banteng, red-buffalo and swamp-buffalo. Additionally to Robertsonian translocationes and a tandemfusion, clearcut differences were observed independing patterns as visualized by fuorescence microscopy. Prominent chromomycin-bands are discussed in the viewpoint of putative marker function, intraspecific variation provided. In different species bands of different intensities can occur. The possible meaning of such band differencies are discussed, moreover the meaning of rearrangements of long chromosomal districts, which give rise to meiotic pairing disturbances and to early embryonic letality is focussed at. In addition, possible correlationes between cell-genetic markers and certain economic traits that are not directly linked to the fertility performance, are highlighted. (Author)