USE OF GENETIC MARKERS TO AID CONSERVATION DECISIONS FOR GROUPS OF RARE DOMESTIC BREEDS

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Published: Nov 30, 2007
Keywords:
Genetic markers genetic conservation endangered breed differential evolution

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N Piyasatian
Department of Animal Production Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
B.P. Kinghorn
Department of Animal Science, The University of New England, Australia

Abstract

An approach to balancing genetic diversity and genetic merit in animal conservation programs is presented and illustrated by simulated example.  Microsatellite markers are used to characterise the genetic variation among animals selected to join a conservation program.  This is done by consideration of genetic variation within and between breeds at the marker loci.  Perceived mean merit of the breeds is also considered.  A weighting factor balancing diversity and merit is varied to give a range of possible outcomes.  The resulting frontier of diversity and merit combinations is characteristic of the total animal resource, measurements made on it, and the size of the conservation program.  It is suggested that practitioners choose an appropriate solution from this frontier.  Extension of the method seems possible to help make decisions on factors such as rationalising breeds via crossbreeding and investment in conservation facilities. 


Keywords: Genetic markers, genetic conservation, endangered breed, differential evolution


Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2007)
Section
Original Research Articles

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Author Biography

N Piyasatian, Department of Animal Production Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand

Department of Animal Production Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

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