Usefullness of microsatellite DNA markers for parentage testing for some goat populations in Turkey

Characterization of populations at the molecular level provides an estimation of genetic diversity and distances between and within the populations. For this purpose, microsatellites are widely preferred marker systems in population analyses. Genotypic data at DNA level were also used to test genetic relationships between individuals in a population and for practical verification of paternity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of microsatellite markers for parentage testing for some goat breeds in Turkey. A total of 248 blood samples were collected from Kilis, Yayladag, Shami, Honamli, Saanen, Kil, Angora, Alpin and Malta breeds. The DNA samples were isolated by using a standard organic based method. Eleven microsatellite loci were selected from a list suggested by a joint ISAG/FAO working group. Microsatellite markers were used to amplify genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified PCR products were separated and fragment analyses were accomplished by capillary electrophoresis. Allele numbers, observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and probability of exclusion (PE) at each microsatellite locus were calculated. Allele numbers were determined ranging from 3 to 25 at each locus. The mean Ho and mean He were ranged from 0.357-0.856 and from 0.601-0.861, respectively. Total PE values were calculated as 0.998 in Malta breed and 0.999 for the other goat populations. Our results suggested that a DNA test panel including these eleven loci will be useful for parentage assignment testing in goat populations.