An enhanced linkage map of the sheep genome comprising more than 1000 loci.

A medium-density linkage map of the ovine genome has been developed. Marker data for 550 new loci were generated and merged with the previous sheep linkage map. The new map comprises 1093 markers representing 1062 unique loci (941 anonymous loci, 121 genes) and spans 3500 cM (sex-averaged) for the autosomes and 132 cM (female) on the X chromosome.

Ovine-specific Y-chromosome RAPD-SCAR marker for embryo sexing.

An accurate, sensitive, and quick (approximately 3 h) method for determining the sex of ovine embryos was developed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers derived from an ovine-specific Y-chromosome random amplified polymorphic DNA marker (UcdO43). The accuracy and sensitivity of the assay were first tested using genomic DNA from 10 males and 10 females of five different sheep breeds, and then tested using serial dilutions of male-in-female DNA. The assay was 100% accurate in confirming the sex of the individuals and the ovine male-specific fragment was detected in dilutions containing as little as 10 pg of male DNA in 50 ng of female DNA.

Identification and genetic mapping of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to the sheep genome.

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay utilizes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and short primers of arbitrary nucleotide sequence to amplify DNA. In this study, the RAPD assay was used to identify and map polymorphic markers in the AgResearch International Mapping Flock (IMF) sheep pedigrees. Sires and dams of eight of the full-sib IMF pedigrees were screened with 131 different 10-mer oligonucleotide primers.

Effects of blood storage time and temperature on DNA yield and quality.

Whole blood is a common source of DNA, especially for genotype diagnostic services. Many laboratories now receive blood samples by mail and/or store blood samples prior to DNA extraction. Therefore, the effects of storage time (number of days from blood collection to DNA extraction) and temperature on DNA yield and quality are important.

Ram influence on ovarian and sexual activity in anestrous ewes: effects of isolation of ewes from rams before joining and date of ram introduction.

A 2-yr experiment was conducted to determine whether isolation of ewes from rams is necessary to achieve a high response to the ram effect and whether ewes respond as well in May as in June. The experiment was conducted at two locations, with the same four treatments at each location. The four treatments differed with respect to ewe proximity to rams before mating (isolated vs adjacent) and date of joining with novel breeding rams (May 15 vs June 15).