Genetic differentiation among goats using randomly amplified polymorphic dna (Rapd) markers*

Abstract

To develop population specific markers using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA - ploymerase chain reaction (RAPD - PCR) in meat (Black Bengal and Non-descript Rohilkhand Local), milk (Barbari) and pashmina (Chegu) producing goats, a total of 35 random sequence decamer primers were tested. Nine primers generated polymorphism in one or more goat populations. Out of 117 bands scored, 46 (39%) were observed, to be polymorphic. One of the primers (OPM-18) was found effective in differentiating the Pashmina (Chegu) from meat or milk type of goats. While the primer OPI-05 generated one band which might be specific for meat type goats i.e. Black Bengal and Non-descript (Local). However, population specificity and sequence homology for these bands need further investigation by hybridization, cloning and sequencing experiments. © GSP, India.