Brief communication. Microsatellite markers in Canada geese (Branta canadensis)

• Published in: Journal of Heredity
• Main Authors: Cathey, JC, DeWoody, JA, Smith, LM
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1998
• Subjects: Articles; Canada; Branta canadensis; Canada Goose
• Online Access: http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/89/2/173; https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/89.2.173

A Canada goose ( Branta canadensis ) genomic library was created and screened for clones containing various microsatellite motifs. Fourteen positive clones were identified and sequenced; five primer pairs were developed and utilized to screen approximately 460 Canada geese for genetic variation. Each of these primer pairs were consistently scorable and polymorphic (average heterozygosity of 55%). DNA was isolated and successfully amplified from 2-year-old goose tail fans which received no special care other than storage at 4°C. Two of the five goose primers also amplified DNA from a partial family of wood ducks ( Aix sponsa; n =5), but no variation was detected at either locus. In geese, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 7 to 24. PIC values ranged from 0.41 to 0.91, while average levels of observed heterozygosity varied between 0.34 and 0.78. The high levels of polymorphism exhibited by these markers should be useful in addressing population genetic issues in Canada geese.