Biochemical genetic markers of squirrel monkeys and their use for pedigree validation

Abstract

Family data for 14 biochemical genetic markers fo squirrel monkeys (genus Saimiri) were derived from 73 pedigreed progeny and both parents of each, as well as from 16 additional progeny and one parent of each. The data for each marker and the phenotypic patterns were consistent with autosomal codominant inheritance. It was concluded from the genetic marker data that the pedigree records of seven progeny were incorrect. Retrospective investigations of colony records followed by typing of animals that might possibly have been a parent enabled five of the pedigree records to be corrected. Although five of the pedigree errors were cases of mistaken paternity, the other two apparently were the consequence of infant swapping between dams shortly after birth. Because squirrel monkeys exhibit a high degree of allomaternal behavior, infant swapping between dams may occur more frequently than in many other nonhuman primate species.

Genetic variability inCebus appella paraguayanus: Biochemical analysis of seven loci and variation in Glyoxalase I (E.C.4.4.1.5)

“…However man, Aotus, and Cebus apella paraguayanus share at least one similar allele (GLO*2) that is, moreover, the most frequent one in any of these groups. Conversely, data from Leontopithecus (FORMAN et al, 1986) and Saimiri (VANDEBERG et al, 1990) do not allow us to establish comparisons of this kind due to the lack of interspecific standardizations.…”

“…Two GLO I alleles have also been reported in Saimiri (VANDEBERG et al, 1990), while in Leontopithecus, this locus was monomorphic (FORMAN et al, 1986). However, the recognition of shared glyoxalase I forms between Saimiri/Leontopithecus and man or a biochemical standardization of glyoxalase I based on the human electrophoretic patterns was not possible due to lack of human controls.…”

Research Techniques for the Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sp.)

“…Biochemical markers have been used for pedigree validation in squirrel monkeys (VandeBerg et al 1990). Squirrel monkey infants are frequently carried by females in their social group other than by the real dam (allomaternal behavior).…”

Genetic management of nonhuman primates

“…Genetic markers can be used to reliably distinguish between types of squirrel monkeys [43, 44, 52]. VandeBerg and colleagues [52] demonstrated that 14 biochemical genetic markers could be used to differentiate Guyanese squirrel monkeys from Bolivian or Peruvian monkeys, and to differentiate most Bolivian squirrel monkeys from most Peruvian squirrel monkeys.…”

“…Genetic markers can be used to reliably distinguish between types of squirrel monkeys [43, 44, 52]. VandeBerg and colleagues [52] demonstrated that 14 biochemical genetic markers could be used to differentiate Guyanese squirrel monkeys from Bolivian or Peruvian monkeys, and to differentiate most Bolivian squirrel monkeys from most Peruvian squirrel monkeys. Thus, while breeding colonies can be structured from animals matched for clearly defined geographic origin (and hence of uniform subspecies composition), genetic marker assessments will be of substantial value in selecting animals for either breeding colonies or research sample groups.…”