Application of microsatellite DNA primers for the analysis of the genetic variability of Lithuanian native goose breeds

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the use of waterfowl specines specific primers in order to detect polymorphism in Lithuanian native geese breeds (Vištinės, Skarulės and Vištinės-Skarulės hybrids – Native Mixed). Also, the White-fronted geese species was investigated for comparison. The microsatellite DNA analysis was carried out using 11 microsatellite primers from which only 4 gave a positive PCR product: Sfimu1 (some wild waterfowl species specific marker), TTUCG-1, TTUCG-2, TTUCG-4 (Canada geese specific marker). According to our data, it is possible to use wild waterfowl specific microsatellite DNA markers for a comparative microsatellite DNA analysis of the White-fronted geese species and 2 Lithuanian breeds (Vištinės and Skarulės), and their hybrids (Native Mixed) were obtained by interbreeding these breeds. We found that the TTUCG-1 primer, due to monomorphic PCR products, was not suitable for the population analysis of Skarulės and the Vištinės geese breeds. Due to the absence of the amplified product, the TTUCG-4 primer is not suitable for hybrid Gese microsatellite DNA analysis. Keywords: geese, microsatellite DNA, microsatellite primer