Microsatellites and SNPs identification in Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis, Ardeidae, Aves) and its application in familial and population studies

Abstract

This proposal aims to isolate new genetic markers, microsatellites and SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and apply them in families and populations studies of the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis). The panel of polymorphic microsatellite will be expanded with the use of data generated by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). SNPs will be identified by GBS method (Genotyping By Sequencing). Genotypes in these new microsatellite loci will be identified in all members of the 30 families, parents and offspring, and kin will be verified by Mendelian and by Maximum Likelihood analysis. Proposal will confirm or not the occurrence of alternative behaviors to monogamy (Fertilization Extra-Pair and Parasitism Nest Intraspecific). Genotypes in microsatellite loci will be determined in four African populations and in a representative of Brazilian population to investigate the genetic diversity level of these populations and if they differ genetically. Data for SNPs will be used in the same populations to determine the level of diversity and genetic structuring among them. The results of the populational analysis with both types of molecular markers (SNPs and microsatellites) will be compared and it is expected to obtain a much higher degree of discrimination populational by SNPs than by microsatellites. Results will show if there is a degree of differentiation and isolation between populations of the two continents, confirming the result obtained previously and discarding that is an artifact, or they will point that there is a continuous bird inflow from Africa to Brazil. (AU)