Genetic characterisation of bikaneri camel using microsatellite markers

Eleven New World Camelids microsatellite primer pairs were used to investigate the genetic polymorphism in Bikaneri camel. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and polymerase chain reactions were carried out for 30 unrelated camels of Bikaneri breed. Microsatellite technique was used for analysis of DNA. The amplification products were resolved in 6% (denaturing) urea PAGE and stained with silver nitrate. Six microsatellite primer pairs could amplify the polymorphic microsatellite loci in Bikaneri camel. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 5. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.289 to 0.686 and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.267 to 0.639. The results indicated the utility of these microsatellite loci for studying genetic polymorphism in Indian dromedary and the potential use of microsatellite markers for further genetic investigations including individual identification, parentage testing and production enhancement.