DNA typing using genome derived cloned probes may be conducted for ascertai
ning genetic affinities of closely related species. We analysed gaur Bos ga
urus, cattle Bos indicus, buffalo Bubalus bubalis, sheep Ovis aries and goa
t Capra hircus DNA using buffalo derived cloned probe pDS5 carrying an arra
y of BamHI satellite fraction of 1378 base residues to uncover its genomic
organization. Zoo-blot analysis showed that pDS5 does not cross hybridize w
ith non-bovid animals and surprisingly with female gaur genomic DNA. The pr
esence of pDS5 sequences in the gaur males suggests their possible location
on the Y chromosome. Genotyping of pDS5 with BamHI enzyme detected mostly
monomorphic bands in the bubaline samples and polymorphic ones in cattle an
d gaur giving rise to clad specific pattern. Similar typing with RsaI enzym
e also revealed clad specific band pattern detecting more number of bands i
n buffalo and fewer in sheep, goat and gaur samples. Copy number variation
was found to be prominent in cattle and gaur with RsaI typing. Our data bas
ed on matched band profiles (MBP) suggest that gaur is genetically closer t
o cattle than buffalo contradicting the age-old notion held by some that ga
ur is a wild buffalo. The pDS5 clone has a potential for estimating the gen
eric and genetic relationship amongst closely related bovid species.