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Application of microsatellite markers for breeding and genetic conservation of herds of Pantaneiro sheep
do Amaral Crispim, Bruno; de Oliveira Seno, Leonardo; do Egito, Andréa Alves; de Vargas Junior, Fernando Miranda & Grisolia, Alexéia Barufatti
Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of Pantaneiro sheep, using
microsatellite markers, in order to assist maintenance and management plans, enhance mating systems and
reduce the inbreeding rate. A total of 127 animals were genotyped at eight microsatellite loci. They belonged
to populations from the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD)
(Dourados/MS/Brazil) and Embrapa Pantanal (Corumbá/MS/Brazil).
Results: The population of Pantaneiro sheep fromthe UFGD exhibited a highmean number of alleles (11.13) and
allelic richness (10.66). The polymorphic information content was highly informative in the locus studied,
resulting in a mean value of 0.71. Observed heterozygosity was lower than expected for all molecular markers
assessed. The analysis of molecular variance showed a differentiation rate of 5.2% between populations.
Conclusions: The results of the statistical parameters indicated that populations of Pantaneiro sheep require
special attention on herd management, and it's further necessary to implement breeder exchange programs in
order to preserve the genetic variability of these populations. Furthermore, the maintenance of those
populations in their typical habitats is rather required to allow different responses from the herds to the
interactions between genotype and environment.
Keywords
Animal genetic resources; Genetic diversity; Kinship; Locally adapted breed; STR
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