Microsatellite Markers as a Tool for Characterization of Small Ruminants: A Review

Abstract

Microsatellites are short tandem nucleotide repeats usually 2-6 bp, highly polymorphic in nature, and are found scattered throughout the genome of eukaryotes. Microsatellites are also called short tandem repeats (STR) or simple sequence repeats (SSR), due to the nature of nucleotide repeats which can be mono, di, tri, penta and hexa. They are the most commonest markers used for genetic characterization in various farm animal, which is based on DNA sequence polymorphisms, which are identified by constructing PCR primers for the DNA flanking the microsatellite region. The genetic characterization of domestic animals is part and first step of the FAO for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources. To conserve a population it is important to know how unique or how different it is from other populations. For molecular characterization of native livestock and poultry breeds using microsatellite markers a number of research programs have been undertaken. In order to study animal biodiversity, conservation and management of animal genetic resources the information regarding molecular characterization of indigenous animals very useful.