Applications of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay for genetic analysis of livestock species

Molecular genetic technologies are revolutionizing genetic analyses of livestock species. DNA-based polymorphisms are being used for marker assisted selection strategies, parentage testing, species identification, and population genetic studies. These polymorphisms also provide the foundation for genetic linkage maps, which are being used to identify loci for economically-important variation and expedite the rate of improvement in production traits. Traditionally, DNA-based markers such as restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and microsatellites have been used for genetic analyses. A relatively new method for detecting polymorphic markers is the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. This assay, which is based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), uses short oligonucleotide primers of arbitrary sequence to amplify discrete regions of the genome. On the basis of numerous successful applications in other species (e.g. plants, microorganisms, and insects) and recently reported applications in domestic animals (e.g. cattle, chickens, dogs, horses, mice, and sheep), the RAPD assay has the potential to play a useful role in genetic analyses of livestock species.