Characterizing polymorphism and multiplex feasibility of 142 microsatellite markers from a commercial German Landrace line (short communication)

Abstract. In using microsatellites to perform linkage studies or parentage testing in pigs the effectiveness of genotyping can substantially be enhanced by multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR), i.e. joint amplification of several microsatellites. However, and in contrast to other species, little has been published on specific multiplex sets of porcine microsatellites and their amplification conditions. As a by-product of a whole genome scan in purebred Landrace families we present information on 142 porcine microsatellites, covering all chromosomes with an average marker spacing of 15 cM. In total 96 of these markers were amplified in 45 different multiplex sets (duplex and triplex reactions) and 46 markers were amplified alone. Details of PCR conditions, observed fragment lengths in Landrace and allele frequencies are given and it is shown in detail, which microsatellites have been combined together. These informations may serve as an aid for the development of more complex multiplex sets, comprising a higher number of simultaneously amplified microsatellites.