Article

Use of Molecular Markers to Determine Parentage in Multiple Sire Pastures

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Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the parentage of animals generated by multiple sire technique. Test of paternity was performed on 63 Angus animals, belonging to 29 families within the Rhodes breeding project, using multiplexed microsatellites. Paternity was determined for 23 families. One of the two possible sires was excluded with multiple markers for 19 families and with a single marker for four families. One of the possible sires was excluded for two families but DNA was not available for the other possible sire. Thus it wasn’t possible to confirm paternity. Four families had both possible sires excluded. In these six cases, it’s necessary to collect blood again and redo the paternity test in order to confirm the results, especially if it’s an important animal to be registered. This study demonstrated the importance of performing a paternity test in breeding populations in order to reach the maximum expected annual genetic gain especially for herds that employ multiple sires.

Keywords: ASL R1828, Animal Science

How to Cite:

Rosa, A. J., Schafhouser, E., Hassen, A. T., Rouse, G. H., Wilson, D. E. & Reecy, J. M., (2003) “Use of Molecular Markers to Determine Parentage in Multiple Sire Pastures”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 1(1).