First report of genetic variability in cats (Felis catus), with phenotypic markers, in Coveñas, Sucre

Abstract

This research aimed to determine genetic variability in domestic cat populations (<em>Felis catus</em>) using genes that codify the coloration, design and length of the coat in Coveñas, Sucre, Colombia. Random samples were collected between September and December 2014 from 187 adult animals in five neighborhoods of Coveñas, and each animal was characterized phenotypically. The nomenclature used in this research follows the Standardized Genetic Nomenclature for the Domestic Cat (1968), and examines the autosomal markers of morphological coding: the <em>locus</em> linked to sex <em>Orange</em> (O) and the <em>autosomal loci Non-agouti (a), tabby blotched (Tb), dilution (d), long hair (l) spotting white (s)</em> and <em>dominant white (W)</em>. The genetic parameters of the population were calculated: allele frequency, genetic diversity, gene flow, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and genetic distance and phylogenetic relationships among cat populations were inferred. It was found that the Non-agouti marker was the most frequent, while the <em>tabby blotched</em> and <em>dominant white</em> genes had the lowest values. Most genetic diversity was found within the studied populations (H_S), with little diversity between populations (D_ST), and high gene flow was evidenced. An excess of heterozygotes was observed in the population. There was no Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Populations are genetically closely related. In addition, a possible natural and artificial selection of the <em>Non-agouti</em> locus was evidenced.