ISSR Markers for Assessing DNA Polymorphism and Genetic Characterization of Cattle, Goat and Sheep Populations

Based on the purpose of conservation planning for native species, sixteen populations of cattle, goat andsheep were analyzed by amplification of genomic DNA using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers toestimate of genetic structure. DNA samples of 275 animals were collected to Paccess their genetic content.The polymorphism information content (PIC) values and genetic diversity in sheep populations were higherthan the others. The mean coefficient of gene differentiation (Gst) was 0.3615, indicating that 19.42% of thegenetic diversity resided within the population. In total, 60 fragments in PCR products were indicated by usingISSR primers and generally most of the fragments were common in all populations, but differed in theirfrequency. A cluster analysis was carried out using unweighed pair group method with arithmetic averages(UPGMA) and dendrogram illustrated genetic relationships among 275 individuals in three species. Haplotypes were constructed computationally and frequencies were compared in each species. The results of this study can provide basic molecular information for future research on native livestock using ISSR markers.