Review on the development of genotyping methods for assessing farm animal diversity

Abstract

Advances in molecular biotechnology have introduced new generations of molecular markers for use in the genetic improvement of farm animals. Consequently, more accurate genetic information can be obtained to better understand existing animal genetic resources. This review gives a brief summary on the development of genetic markers including both the classical genetic markers and more advanced DNA-based molecular markers. This review will help us better understand the characteristics of different genetic markers and the genetic diversity of animal genetic resources.

Development and application of biological technologies in fish genetic breeding

“…As such, these markers have a number of applications, including the identification of population structure or commercially important traits [15,16], identification and cloning of genes [17], construction of genetic maps [18], analysis of genetic relationships [16], prediction of heterosis and molecular-assisted selection breeding [19]. A number of methods have been developed to obtain molecular markers, including Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR), Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Inter-simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR), Single-strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Sequenced Characterized Amplified Region Marker (SCAR), and others [20].…”

Genetic diversity in Zimbabwean Sanga cattle breeds using microsatellite markers

“…Morphometric characterization is useful for differentiating animals based on observable phenotype, but is subjective, has low polymorphism, and provides no basis for differentiating animals that look similar (Yang et al, 2013). In addition, morphological markers are limited in the evaluation of quantitative traits.…”

“…In the various productive performance experiments, Mashona and Tuli cattle were observed to be more resistant to ticks and heat stress, and had high calving rates, weaning rates, and cow productivity under marginal production environments compared with some exotic breeds (Moyo, 1997;Khombe, 2002). While morphological markers and productive traits indicate the functional genetic diversity that a population carries (Ajmone-Marsan, 2010), they do not account for systematic environmental effects on these phenotypes (Yang et al, 2013). Biochemical markers have higher polymorphisms than morphological markers and are useful for elucidating the origin and classification of breeds.…”

“…In recent times, various types of DNA-based (molecular) markers have been utilized to evaluate genetic variability within and between African cattle breeds (Kugonza et al, 2011;Ngono-Ema et al, 2014;Ndiaye et al, 2015). Among them, microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are the most efficient molecular markers to evaluate genetic diversity, population differentiation and breed relationships, and determine parentage in animal populations (Yang et al, 2013). Advantages of microsatellites include wide distribution in the genome, low quantities of template DNA required (10-100 ng), multi-allelic attributes, a neutral co-dominant inheritance pattern that allow ease of distinction between homozygous and heterozygous alleles, the option of simultaneous sequencing using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and a wide range of immediate applications (Yang et al, 2013;Singh et al, 2014).…”

“…Among them, microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are the most efficient molecular markers to evaluate genetic diversity, population differentiation and breed relationships, and determine parentage in animal populations (Yang et al, 2013). Advantages of microsatellites include wide distribution in the genome, low quantities of template DNA required (10-100 ng), multi-allelic attributes, a neutral co-dominant inheritance pattern that allow ease of distinction between homozygous and heterozygous alleles, the option of simultaneous sequencing using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and a wide range of immediate applications (Yang et al, 2013;Singh et al, 2014). In southern Africa, microsatellite markers have been used in population genetic studies of some Sanga cattle genotypes such as the Mozambican Landim (Bessa et al, 2009) and the South African Nguni (Sanarana et al, 2016).…”