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Cattle are losing maximum breeds among the world's livestock. Genetic variability data is essentially required for conservation decision-making. Thutho is a recently registered Indian cattle breed (INDIA_CATTLE_1400_THUTHO_03047) from the northeast region (NE), a biodiversity hotspot. Genetic diversity in the Thutho population and its differentiation from the only other cattle breed of NE (Siri) and cattle (Bachaur) of the neighboring region was established using highly polymorphic, FAO-recommended microsatellite markers. Numerous alleles (253) were detected across the 25 loci. The mean observed and expected numbers of alleles in the population were 10.12 ± 0.5 and 4.5 ± 0.37, respectively. The observed heterozygosity (0.67 ± 0.04) was lower than the expected heterozygosity (0.73 ± 0.03) which indicated a departure from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. A positive FIS value (0.097) confirmed the heterozygote deficiency in the Thutho population. Genetic distance, phylogenetic relationships, differentiation parameters, population assignment, and Bayesian analysis explicitly ascertained the unique genetic identity of the Thutho cattle. The population did not suffer any bottlenecks in the past. Thutho has minimum diversity among the three populations; hence, its scientific management needs to be initiated immediately. Interestingly, genetic variation is enough for formulating breeding programs for managing, improving, and conserving this precious indigenous cattle germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is bestowed with immense cattle biodiversity with 50 registered breeds. However, the majority (59.3%) is yet not characterized. Identification and characterization are the gateways to the management of prized indigenous resources. Present research described a unique cattle population of Jharkhand state, managed under a traditional low-input, low-output system. It was characterized by morphological traits, performance parameters, and management practices. Animals have the characteristic pre-scapular location of the hump. Genetic variation within this population and its differentiation with the six closely distributed cattle breeds were evaluated using FAO recommended microsatellite markers. Jharkhandi cattle have substantial genetic variation based on gene diversity (>0.6) and the average number of alleles per locus (>8). The population did not suffer from a genetic bottleneck in the recent past. Pairwise Nei's genetic distance, phylogenetic relationship, population differentiation, and the correct assignment of all the animals to self group substantiated its separate genetic identity. Since gene flow (Nm = 2.8–7.32) was identified and admixture was indicated by the Bayesian analysis there is a pressing need for scientific management of this population. Results endow authorities with critical information for registering a new Indian cattle breed (Medini) that contributes to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural tribal households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kadaknath, the only black chicken indigenous to India, faces the threat of extinction due to declining numbers. Its meat is used in tribal medicine for invigorating and health-promoting properties. Expectations of immune-boosting and therapeutic properties in its meat are creating a buzz these days. Thus, Kadaknath meat was explored and further compared with the commercial Cobb 400 broiler (Cobb) for the functional traits that might be contributing towards proclaimed pharmacological benefits. Birds (n = 20/ group) were raised under similar management conditions and the two primal chicken meat cuts (breast and thigh) were collected at the marketing age. Kadaknath meat was found to be an enriched source of functional biomolecules (carnosine, anserine, creatine). Its breast meat carnosine content was more than double of the Cobb broiler, 6.10 ± 0.13 and 2.73 ± 0.1 mg/ g of wet tissue, respectively. Similarly, the thigh meat of Kadaknath was a significantly (P < 0.05) richer source of carnosine. The genetic background was a key determinant for muscle carnosine content as a significant abundance of CARNS1 and SLC36A1 expression was identified in the Kadaknath breast. The superior functional property of Kadaknath meat was established by the antioxidant capacity established by the Oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and a stronger ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The identification of fairly unknown nutritional and functional advantages of Kadaknath meat could potentially change the paradigm with its meat consumption. It will help in developing a brand name for Kadaknath products that will propel an increase in its market share and ultimately conservation of this unique but endangered poultry germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indian domesticated chickens have a wide variety of phenotypes. Unlike other chicken breeds, Kadaknath chicken has black meat and is used by indigenous tribal people for its invigorating and therapeutic properties. To look for the functional traits that might be contributing towards the acclaimed benefits, free radical scavenging capacity and metal chelating ability of Kadaknath meat were explored for the first time in comparison to the commercial Cobb broiler. Methods: During the period 2018-2020, breast and thigh meat were collected from chickens (n=20/ group) at their commercial slaughter age. Meat extract was used for qualitative evaluation of protein as well as the antioxidant capacity utilizing diverse in vitro methods corresponding to different antioxidation mechanisms. Result: Protein concentration (g/100g of tissue) in Kadaknath breast (25.25 ± 0.31) and thigh (19.98 ± 0.29) meat was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the Cobb. Breast meat had better scavenging capacity than the thigh. The superiority of the antioxidant capacity of Kadaknath meat was explicitly established by more than one in vitro assay. Free radical scavenging assays viz. 2,2-azinobis (3- ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS); 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) had significantly (P<0.05) higher values for Kadaknath in comparison to the Cobb broiler meat. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values (mM Fe2+/g of tissue) were also more in breast meat of Kadaknath (26.97±0.37) than the Cobb (15.24±0.40). Similarly, FRAP values were higher in Kadaknath (33.85±0.47) than the Cobb (19.2±0.31) thigh meat. Kadaknath had higher antioxidant capacity as reflected by metal chelation inhibition value. These findings help to explain the unique nutritional and functional characteristics of Kadaknath black-bone chicken and provide basic research data for exploring the commercial potential of its meat in the fields of functional foods, cosmeceuticals and nuutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic economic growth, robust growth of industrialization and expanding population are the key factors responsible for significant increases in global energy demand. The Power sectors account for almost 74% of coal consumption in India. The Indian coal is characterized by low calorific value (3000-3500 k. cal.) and very high ash content (30-45 %). Thus, huge amount of fly ash is being generated every year as “waste by product” in coal-based power plants. Hence in present scenario, the safe management and eco-friendly utilization of this surplus fly ash generated has become a global challenge. Due to the serious efforts of ‘Fly Ash Mission’ of India, the utilization level of fly ash has progressively improved from 11.68 % in 1998-99 to 77.59 % in 2018-19. This review presents state wise status of fly ash generation-utilization, government initiatives in India and other new domains of potential fly ash applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the maternal genetic diversity in the pig genetic resources of India by analyzing a mitochondrial D-loop fragment and comparing it with the corresponding sequences of previously published studies involving domestic pigs and wild boars. Sequencing of 103 samples representing different domestic pig populations revealed existence of 32 maternal haplotypes. The indices of haplotype and nucleotide diversity in Indian domestic pigs were 0.9421 and 0.015, respectively. Median-Joining network revealed that Indian pigs belong to Clade A and show conformity to 6 haplogroups reported worldwide (D1a, D1a1, D1a2, D1e, D1h and D3a). Among these, D1e and D1a2 were shared with Asian wild boars too. Interestingly, haplotype sharing was evident between Indian pigs and samples from other countries representing Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. This study substantiates India's contribution as a possible pig domestication center and highlights the importance of the Indian subcontinent in dispersal of the species to other continents. Additionally, genetic evidence suggested the influence of trading routes and historical interactions in shaping pig genetic exchange. Overall, this investigation provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity, historical migration, and domestication of Indian domestic pigs, contributing to the broader understanding of global pig genetic resources and their evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, comparative analysis of skeletal muscle transcriptome was carried out for four biological replicates of Aseel, a fighter type breed and Punjab Brown, a meat type breed of India. The profusely expressed genes in both breeds were related to muscle contraction and motor activity. Differential expression analysis identified 961 up-regulated and 979 down-regulated genes in Aseel at a threshold of log2 fold change ≥ ±2.0 (padj<0.05). Significantly enriched KEGG pathways in Aseel included metabolic pathways and oxidative phosphorylation, with higher expression of genes associated with fatty acid beta-oxidation, formation of ATP by chemiosmotic coupling, response to oxidative stress, and muscle contraction. The highly connected hub genes identified through gene network analysis in the Aseel gamecocks were HNF4A, APOA2, APOB, APOC3, AMBP, and ACOT13, which are primarily associated with energy generating metabolic pathways. The up-regulated genes in Punjab Brown chicken were found to be related to muscle growth and differentiation. There was enrichment of pathways such as focal adhesion, insulin signaling pathway and ECM receptor interaction in these birds. The results presented in this study help to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with fighting ability and muscle growth in Aseel and Punjab Brown chicken, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has a centuries-old tradition of sheep production and breeding that accomplish economic, agricultural, and religious roles. In addition to the 44 registered sheep breeds, there is a fat-tailed sheep population referred to as Dumba. This study evaluated genetic variation in Dumba sheep and its differentiation from other Indian sheep breeds using mitochondrial DNA and genomic microsatellite loci. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity based on mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed substantially high maternal genetic diversity in Dumba sheep. Major ovine haplogroups A and B observed in sheep populations across the globe registered their presence in the Dumba sheep. The molecular genetic analysis using microsatellite markers also showed high measures of allele (10.125 ± 0.762) and gene diversity (0.749 ± 0.029). Results correspond to the non-bottleneck population that is near mutation-drift equilibrium despite some deficiency in the number of heterozygotes (FIS = 0.043 ± 0.059). Phylogenetic clustering confirmed Dumba to be a distinct population. Results of this study endow authorities with critical information imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of Indian fat-tailed sheep, which is considered to be an untapped genetic resource contributing to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural households in marginal areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camelids are acknowledged worldwide to endure hostile conditions prevalent in the hot as well cold deserts across the globe. Adaptations to climatic extremes have been associated with mitochondrial protein variants such as ATP8 and ATP6 in different species. The camel genetic resources of India are represented by 9 breeds of dromedary camels which inhabit hot arid and semi-arid zones of the country and a small population of Bactrian camels found in the cold desert of Ladakh. In this study, within and between breed genetic diversity in Indian dromedaries and their divergence from Bactrian camels was investigated based on ATP8/6 genes. Sequence analysis of a mitochondrial DNA fragment encompassing ATP8 and ATP6 genes identified 15 haplotypes in the dromedaries of India and 3 haplotypes in Bactrian camels. The values of haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.647 and 0.00187 in the former and 0.679 and 0.00098, respectively in the latter. AMOVA analysis revealed 97.81% variance between the two species. Median-Joining network delineated three distinct mitochondrial haplogroups for Camelus dromedarius, Camelus ferus and Camelus bactrianus. Clear demarcation of the old world (Dromedary and Bactrian camels) and new world camelids (Alpaca, llama, guanaco and vicugna) was evident through the phylogenetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is undergoing rapid nutritional transition, resulting in excess consumption of calories, saturated fats, trans fatty acids, simple sugars, salt and low intake of fiber. Such dietary transition and a sedentary lifestyle have led to an increase in obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], cardiovascular disease [CVD], etc.) predominantly in urban, but also in rural areas. In comparison with the previous guidelines, these consensus dietary guidelines include reduction in the intake of carbohydrates, preferential intake of complex carbohydrates and low glycemic index foods, higher intake of fiber, lower intake of saturated fats, optimal ratio of essential fatty acids, reduction in trans fatty acids, slightly higher protein intake, lower intake of salt, and restricted intake of sugar. While these guidelines are applicable to Asian Indians in any geographical setting, they are particularly applicable to those residing in urban and in semi-urban areas. Proper application of these guidelines will help curb the rising 'epidemics' of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, T2DM, and CVD in Asian Indians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shahabadi sheep represent an important but uninvestigated source of genetic diversity. Eighteen microsatellite markers were employed to analyze the genetic diversity of Shahabadi sheep population found in Bihar, India within fifty samples. Microsatellites were highly polymorphic with a mean allelic number 5.56 ± 1.79. The observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity and observed and effective number of alleles were used to estimate the genetic variation of this breed. The observed heterozygosity in the population varied from 0.279–0.739 with the mean of 0.501 ± 0.151, reflecting substantial genetic variation in this population. Population was observed to be heterozygote deficient (21.5%). The results of this study indicated that conservation of genetic variation in Shahabadi population should be considered by breeders, in the interest of long term future of the breed in its native tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a genetic diversity study of Kherigarh cattle, a utility draught-purpose breed of India, currently declining at a startling rate, by use of microsatellite markers recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Microsatellite genotypes were derived, and allelic and genotypic frequencies, heterozygosities and gene diversity were estimated. A total of 131 alleles were distinguished by the 21 microsatellite markers used. All the microsatellites were highly polymorphic, with mean (± s.e.) allelic number of 6.24 ± 1.7, ranging 4-10 per locus. The observed heterozygosity in the population ranged between 0.261 and 0.809, with mean (± s.e.) of 0.574 ± 0.131, indicating considerable genetic variation in this population. Genetic bottleneck hypotheses were also explored. Our data suggest that the Kherigarh breed has not experienced a genetic bottleneck in the recent past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep farming has been fundamental to many civilizations in the world and is practiced in India since antiquity. Several thousand years of adaptation to local environmental conditions and selective breeding have evolved 44 sheep breeds in India. They are paramount in terms of economic, scientific, and cultural heritage. Genetic characterization information is imperative for sustainable utilization and conservation of ovine heritage. In this study, the genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of 11 indigenous sheep breeds from three different agro-ecological zones of India were explored with genomic microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA (D loop). The estimated diversity parameters indicated that populations retained high levels of genetic diversity (Na = 8.27 ± 0.17; Ho = 0.65 ± 0.01), which provides an optimistic viewpoint for their survival. However, significant inbreeding was also observed in the nine populations. Moderate genetic differentiation existed among the groups (FST = 0.129 ± 0.012), and most likely clusters existing in the dataset are seven. Phylogenetic clustering was in line with the geographical locations of sheep populations. Mitochondrial sequences revealed high haplotype diversity with the existence of maternal haplogroups A, B, and C, and signals of population expansion. Decreased genetic diversity and unique maternal lineage (C) in endangered Tibetan and Bonpala sheep breed, warrant their immediate scientific management. Overall, the quantitative data reported here on the extant variability, and genetic relationships among the Indian sheep breeds, provide critically important inputs that will be valuable for the decision-making process on their management, both for the conservation of endangered breeds, and formulation of breeding programs to check genetic erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In countries where farming is largely subsistence, no pedigree records of farm animals are maintained at farmers' herd and scientific mating plans are not observed which leads to the accumulation of inbreeding and loss of production potential. Microsatellites have been widely used as reliable molecular markers to measure inbreeding. We attempted to correlate autozygosity estimated from microsatellite data with the inbreeding coefficient (F) calculated from pedigree data in Vrindavani crossbred cattle developed in India. The inbreeding coefficient was calculated from the pedigree of ninety-six Vrindavani cattle. Animals were further grouped into three groups viz. acceptable/low (F: 0–5%), moderate (F: 5–10%) and high (F: ≥10%), based on their inbreeding coefficients. The overall mean of the inbreeding coefficient was found to be 0.070 ± 0.007. A panel of twenty-five bovine-specific loci were chosen for the study according to ISAG/FAO. The mean FIS,FST, and FIT values were 0.0548 ± 0.025, 0.012 ± 0.001 and 0.0417 ± 0.025, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the FIS values obtained and the pedigree F values. The locus-wise individual autozygosity was estimated using the method-of-moments estimator (MME) formula for locus-specific autozygosity. The autozygosities ascribing to CSSM66 and TGLA53 were found to be significantly (p <.01 and p <.05, respectively) correlated with pedigree F values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mitochondrial DNA based genetic diversity was explored in the Indian dromedary and Bactrian camel populations. • The haplotype and nucleotide diversity in the Indian dromedaries was higher than the indices reported worldwide. • There was lack of genetic structuring in the Indian dromedaries based on geographical distribution. • Signals of population expansion were evident in the dromedary camels of India. • C. ferus , C. bactrianus and C. dromedarius revealed existence of separate mitochondrial lineages. Camels represent an important genetic resource of the desert ecosystems of India, with the dromedary and Bactrian camels inhabiting the hot and cold deserts, respectively. This study is the first attempt to investigate mitochondrial DNA based genetic diversity in the Indian camel populations and explores their relationship in the context of global genetic diversity of all the three large camel species (Camelus ferus, Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedaries). A mitochondrial DNA fragment encompassing part of cytochrome b gene, tRNAThr, tRNAPro and the beginning of the control region was amplified and analyzed in 72 dromedary and 8 Bactrian camels of India. Sequence analysis revealed that the haplotype and nucleotide diversity (Hd: 0.937 and π: 0.00431) in the Indian dromedaries was higher than the indices reported so far for the dromedary or Bactrian camels across the globe. The corresponding values in the Indian Bactrian camels were 1.000 and 0.00393, respectively. Signals of population expansion were evident in the dromedaries of India on the basis of mismatch analysis and Fu's Fs values. The analysis of molecular variance attributed most of the genetic variance (92.15%) between the dromedary, wild Bactrian and domestic Bactrian camels indicating separate maternal origins. The existence of three mitochondrial lineages in the old world camels (C. bactrianus : Lineage A; C. ferus : Lineage B and C. dromedarius : Lineage C) was also substantiated by the topology of the Median-Joining network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity and their associated factors in a large sample of urban Indian schoolchildren. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 5 cities in India. Height and weight were measured in 38,296 children and waist circumference was measured in 29,244 children aged 8-18 years. The prevalence was compared with respect to age, gender, type of school and city of residence. Results: The mean ± standard deviation for age was 13.3 ± 2.4 years and 18.3 ± 4.3 kg/m2 for BMI. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in 8- to 18-year-old children, respectively, was 14.4 and 2.8% by IOTF cutoffs, 14.5 and 4.8% by CDC cutoffs and 18.5 and 5.3% by WHO cutoffs. When applying the cutoffs specific for Indian ethnicity in 14- to 18-year-old children, the prevalence was higher (21.1 and 12.3%, respectively) as compared to the IOTF, WHO and CDC cutoffs. The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity in urban Indian schoolchildren was 4.5%. The prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity was significantly higher in females than males (p < 0.001). High socioeconomic status and residing in cities with a population greater than 4 million were independently associated with overweight and abdominal obesity (p < 0.001). On extrapolating these data, more than 15 million children would currently be overweight and 4 million abdominally obese in urban India. Conclusions: There is a substantial burden of childhood obesity in India, which necessitates comprehensive urban-based campaigns for its prevention and control. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the secular trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity among urban Asian Indian adolescents in New Delhi (North India). The data were derived fromcross-sectional sampling of children, 3493 in year 2006 and 4908 in year 2009, aged 14-17 years studying in privately-funded and government-funded schools. Age, gender and Asian Indian-specific cut offs of body mass index (BMI) were used to define overweight and obesity. The prevalence of obesity increased significantly from 9.8% in 2006 to 11.7% in 2009 (p<0.01), whereas underweight decreased from 11.3% to 3.9% (p<0.001). There was a significantly higher risk of being overweight (OR 1.28; 95% CI, 1.15-1.42) and obese (OR 1.44; 95% CI, 1.24-1.66) in year 2009 than 2006, after adjusting for age, gender and type of school. Males and privately-funded school children had significantly higher increase in prevalence and risk of being overweight and obese over the three years. In conclusion, this study showed an increasing trend in prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban Asian Indian adolescents. More specifically, the study showed the association of this increasing trend of overweight and obesity prevalence with male gender and high socio-economic status, calling for an urgent need for immediate and targeted preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP), a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk, and dietary nutrients is not known. We investigated the relationship between serum CRP levels and dietary nutrients in young Asian Indians residing in a major metropolitan city in north India. Methods: Dietary nutrient intake values (24-h dietary recall and monthly consumption data) and serum CRP levels were studied in 359 healthy adolescents and young adults (312 male and 47 female) (mean age, 18.0 ± 2.3 y; range, 14–25 y), after carefully excluding those with history of infections and smoking. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with CRP [raised (>3.0 mg/L)/normal] as the outcome variable and various dietary nutrients and anthropometric variables as covariates. Results: Mean CRP level was 1.3 ± 2.3 mg/L (range, 0.02–17.5 mg/L). Raised CRP levels (>3 mg/L) were noted in 9% study subjects (8.6% males and 12.8% females). After adjustment for other covariates, saturated fat emerged as the single most important nutrient contributing to increase in serum CRP levels. The odds of having a raised CRP level in subjects consuming more than 10% energy as saturated dietary fat were twice as compared to subjects having a normal saturated fat intake [Adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 2.0 (0.94–4.1)]. For every one percent decrease in energy intake by saturated fat, CRP level was calculated to decrease by 0.14 mg/L. For decreasing CRP levels to <1.0 mg/L (low risk for cardiovascular disease), Asian Indian adolescents and young adults should ensure saturated fat intake <7% of caloric intake. Conclusion: We suggest that daily saturated fat intake should be limited to <7% of caloric intake in urban adolescents and young adult Asian Indians to decrease their future cardiovascular risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the relationships of sub-clinical inflammation and regional and generalized obesity and lipids in adolescent and young adult Asian Indians in north India. Methods: We determined serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for sub-clinical inflammation, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (W-HR), four skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac), percentage of body fat (% BF) and lipid profile in 377 healthy adolescents and young adults (331 males and 46 females, age range: 14–25 years). Results: Overweight subjects (BMI>85th percentile), and subjects with high values (>85th percentile) of WC and triceps skinfold thickness had significantly higher median CRP levels (P=0.04, P=0.001 and P=0.007, respectively) as compared with subjects with lower values of the variables. Elevated levels of CRP (>2.1 mg/l) were observed in 21.8% of the overweight subjects and 24.5% of the subjects with high (>85th percentile) % BF. After adjusting for age and gender, the odds ratios (95% CI) for elevated levels of CRP were 2.3 (1.1–4.7, P=0.02) for overweight subjects, 2.6 (1.2–5.4, P=0.01) for subjects with high % BF, and 3.7 (1.7–7.9, P=0.001) for subjects with high triceps skinfold thickness. Levels of CRP correlated significantly with % BF (r=0.13, P=0.009), W-HR (r=0.11, P=0.02), biceps skinfolds (r=0.13, P=0.01) and triceps skinfolds (r=0.13, P=0.01) for males only. Conclusions: The observations of substantial prevalence of elevated CRP levels in adolescents and young adults having increased generalized and abdominal adiposity may be important for the development of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis in Asian Indian adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Genetic diversity was explored in 33 breeds/populations of Indian goats using mitochondrial DNA markers. • The haplotype and nucleotide diversity indices of Indian goats were 0.998 and 0.028, respectively. • Indian goats belong to four maternal haplogroups; A, B, C and D. • There was no genetic structuring of goats on the basis of geographical distribution. Thirty four distinct breeds and many non-descript populations represent the caprine diversity of India. Genetic characterization of breeds is an essential element in designing breeding strategies and preserving genetic diversity. Considering the popularity of mitochondrial DNA for phylogeographical studies, this study involved an extensive analysis of population structure and genetic diversity of 28 defined breeds and 5 lesser known populations representing all four major agro-climatic zones of India using mitochondrial DNA markers. Analysis of hypervariable region 1 of mtDNA control region in 443 goats together with 22 reference sequences, delineated 341 distinct haplotypes belonging to four maternal haplogroups; A, B, C and D, with haplogroup A representing 90% of the individuals. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity indices of Indian goats were 0.998 ± 0.001 and 0.028 ± 0.001, respectively indicating abundant genetic variability. Estimates of population demographic parameters from mismatch analysis suggested a relatively good fit to the model of either spatial or demographic expansion of Indian goats. AMOVA analysis and topology of MJ network suggested lack of phylogeographic structure in domestic goats, which can be attributed to unstructured animal breeding, dwindling pastures and nomadic pastoralism. Genetic differentiation between goats from different agro-ecological regions was in accordance with their geographical propinquity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]