Microsatellite markers polymorphism in the breeding nutria (Myocastor coypus) population in Poland

Abstract

The aim of the research was to establish a microsatellite panel to determine the genetic diversity within the breeding nutria population in Poland. In the study, 92 animals representing six color forms were used. Ten fluorescently labeled microsatellite markers were investigated by multicolored capillary electrophoresis. All the microsatellites were polymorphic. The average heterozygosity observed among the population was 41%. The mean number of alleles per locus was 9.2. The average heterozygosity observed in the whole population was lower than expected. This implies that the nutria population deviates from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Low M values (from 0.078 to 0.545) of the Garza–Williamson index reveal a reduction of genetic variation in the investigated population and suggest that the breeding nutria population is remnant.