Robertsonian translocations have been well documented in domestic cattle, with 
the most commonly occurring fusion involving chromosomes 1 and 29. The 
widespread nature of this translocation is indicative of its ancient origin. The 
gaur (Bos gaurus) is one of many wild cattle species currently listed as 
vulnerable or endangered. Due to the small founder stock and 50 years of 
restricted breeding, the captive herd is showing signs of inbreeding and reduced 
fertility. Recent cytogenetic analysis of a female gaur at Toronto Zoo found 
that the individual contained 2n=57 chromosomes instead of the normal 2n=58, 
with an extra submetacentric and the loss of two acrocentric chromosomes being 
observed. This study was undertaken to identify the translocation in this 
individual and to examine the karyotype of immediate family members. Chromosome 
analysis of fibroblast cell cultures was carried out using GTG-banding, 
C-banding and FISH (bovine 1 and 29 paints) techniques to characterize the 
translocation. Results from the GTG-banding and FISH analyses confirm that the 
two autosomes involved in the translocation are the bovine homologues 1 and 29. 
A monocentric centromere was observed by C-banding. Chromosome abnormalities 
have not been detected in other gaur tested to date. This study demonstrates the 
importance of cytogenetic analysis for the establishment of screening protocols 
for the assessment of reproductive potential in this and other exotic bovinae.