The use of molecular techniques in farming: improvement of the genealogical recording of cattle and horses

• Grant number: 98/14866-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 1999
• End date: April 30, 2002
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Cynthia Rachid Bydlowski
• Grantee: Cynthia Rachid Bydlowski
• Company: Linkgen Biotecnologia Veterinária Ltda

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to standardize the analysis of micro-satellite DNA regions in cattle and horses, so as to enable both checking paternity and maternity as well as helping to identify the animal by means of genotyping, in order to complete the genealogical records. At present, few genealogical recording services in Brazilian breeding associations use the technique of typing blood groups to check the validity of their records of animals. This technique has problems that can be overcome by the analysis of micro-satellite DNA regions. Improving the recording system will enhance the organization and add value to the different breeds in Brazil. At this stage of the project, it is intended to identify polymorphisms in the hyper-variable micro-satellite DNA regions of cattle and horses using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique. The DNA was prepared from the blood cells and/or hair follicles of the animals and the polymerase chain reactions were carried out using different pairs of specific oligonucleotide initiators for the micro- satellite regions. Through these studies it is intended to characterize the individuality of animals of the same breed, whether or not related. To examine the polymorphisms of the expanded fragments, a system of electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels and coloring with silver nitrate was employed. (AU)