The use of DNA markers in deciding conservation priorities in sheep and other livestock

Abstract

SummaryThe genetic diversity of most livestock species is reducing and it is not possible to preserve all livestock breeds. In order to preserve as much of the genetic diversity as possible we must first have a robust method of measuring the genetic differences between breeds. The analysis of microsatellite allele frequency is now the method of choice. Using sheep as an example, this paper describes the methods used for both microsatellite amplification and the analysis of the data once it has been collected.