<b>Evaluation of genetic diversity in subspecies and crossing of ostriches (<em>Struthio camelus</em>) with the use of RAPD markers</b>- DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v27i2.1222

Abstract

Concerning Strutioculture, the links between physical characteristics and performance need additional study, and, the pieces of information on genetic variability are minima. Therefore, the current work represents an important step in studies of ostrich genetics. Blood samples of 30 animals were collected, males and females, of the sub species Blue Neck, African Black and the crossing Red Blue (Red Neck X Blue Neck), to DNA extraction. After amplification, the products were analyzed and interpreted through the RAPD technique, providing data of genetic similarity among the individuals with the use of Jaccard coefficient, and data of genetic distance among sub species and genetic diversity within the sub species through the Nei coefficient. The obtained results demonstrated low similarity and high genetic diversity among analyzed individuals of each sub specie, however the genetic distances among the sub species were not significant, indicating that there was no genetic differentiation among the subspecies. The values of genetic differentiation between the sub specie Blue Neck and the crossing Red Blue were next to the significance, suggesting a bigger genetic diversity between these sub species