Conservation of genetic diversity : assessing genetic variation using marker estimated kinships
2002
Eding, H.
This dissertation focuses on assessing genetic diversity in a quantitative way through the use of Malecots coefficients of kinship. Kinships between and within populations and individuals can be estimated using microsatellite marker genes that are assumed to be selectively neutral.Genetic diversity is estimated from such Marker Estimated Kinships (MEK) by (1 - average (MEK)), where genetic diversity of a set of breeds is defined as the maximum genetic variation in a population that can be bred from this set of breeds. The concept of core sets is applied to livestock genetic diversity and a new measure of genetic diversity present in a set of breeds, based on the mean kinship within a core set, is developed. Log-linear (mixed) models can be used to simultaneously estimate kinships and the probability for alleles alike in state (AIS). Error variance of the kinship estimates may lead to populations that have incorrectly received a null-contribution. An analysis of a data set concerning African cattle populations, using the developed methods is described. Effects of conservation by breed type or regional versus continental conservation are examined, in terms of efficiency of conservation and changes of priorities of breeds.
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