Development of paternity for nelore cattle based on SNPs markers that are in linkage disequilibrium with microsatellites

Abstract

For an effective breeding program, it is necessary to correctly identify the parentage of animals. To do that, molecular markers are used to perform the paternity test. In Brazil, the use of microsatellite markers (MS) amplified by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is still the most commonly used way. However, it has technical problems inherent of its constitution (the subjectivity of the analysis, difficulty in automation), which has motivated the development of new alternatives. Accordingly, SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers are gaining popularity in the international scientific community, due to their simpler mutational dynamics, generate a lower rate of homoplasy, and, moreover, they can be genotyped at low cost and large scale. The purpose of this study is to develop a paternity test for cattle based on SNP. However, for perform these analysis without loosing previous microsatellites data for animals that were genotyped with these markers, we have to determine the linkage disequilibrium between MS officially used for paternity testing and SNP markers. Therefore, in this project, a Nellore cattle herd from EMBRAPA will be genotyped for nine microsatellite loci, which were previously genotyped whit high density SNPs chips. The development of this project will enable greater efficiency, automation and precision to paternity testing of cattle. (AU)