Construction of a Llama Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Library with Approximately 9-Fold Genome Equivalent Coverage

L. T. Tree,M. Moss,D. L. Kooyman,S. Blumell,A. K. Gustafson,J. Genho,M. R. Stevens,K. W. Airmet,J. D. Hinckley,M. Lehnardt,R. Theodosis,M. Weed,K. Ulicny

doi:10.1155/2012/371414

Abstract

The Ilama is an important agricultural livestock in much of South America. The llama is increasing in popularity in the United States as a companion animal. Little work has been done to improve llama production using modern technology. A paucity of information is available regarding the llama genome. We report the construction of a llama bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of about 196,224 clones in the vector pECBAC1. Using flow cytometry and bovine, human, mouse, and chicken as controls, we determined the llama genome size to be 2.4 × 109 bp. The average insert size of the library is 137.8 kb corresponding to approximately 9-fold genome coverage. Further studies are needed to further characterize the library and llama genome. We anticipate that this new library will help facilitate future genomic studies in the llama.

Highlights

IntroductionThere are six species in the family Camelidae; namely, Camelus bactrianus, Camelus dromedarius, Lama glama (llama), Lama guanicoe (guanaco), Lama pacos (alpaca), and Vicugna vicugna (vicuna)
There are six species in the family Camelidae; namely, Camelus bactrianus, Camelus dromedarius, Lama glama, Lama guanicoe, Lama pacos, and Vicugna vicugna
While we calculated the size of the llama genome, by flow cytometry, to be 2.4 × 109 bp, we note that Romanini reported, in 1985, the llama genome size to be about 3.2 × 109 bp [2]

Summary

Introduction

There are six species in the family Camelidae; namely, Camelus bactrianus, Camelus dromedarius, Lama glama (llama), Lama guanicoe (guanaco), Lama pacos (alpaca), and Vicugna vicugna (vicuna). Llamas are especially important for agriculture in Andean South America. They are indispensable in the Bolivian and Peruvian high plain (Altiplano) where they are well adapted to the harsh conditions. In these locations, the uses of llamas include fiber, meat, and draft. In the impoverished communities of the Altiplano, the utilization of llamas, in these ways, may represent a considerable amount of a family’s disposable income. Improvement in the production of llamas would aid the rural families of the Altiplano to have a steady food source and income as well as aid in becoming self-sufficient [1]. Llamas and alpacas are rising in popularity in the United States

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