Molecular genetics and SSR markers as a new practice in farm animal genomic analysis for breeding and control of disease disorders

Molecular genetics investigates the genetic makeup of individuals at the DNA level. That includes the identification and mapping of molecular genetic markers and genetic polymorphisms. Molecular genetic markers (DNA markers) are one of the most powerful means for the genomic analysis and allow the connection of hereditary traits with genomic variation. Molecular marker technology has developed rapidly over the last decade and two shapes of specific DNA based marker, Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs), also known as microsatellites, and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) prevail applications in modern genetic analysis.Genomic simple sequence repeats (SSRs, microsatellites) have been used for a variety of purposes, including gene tagging, physical mapping, genome mapping, estimation of genetic diversity, phylogenetic and conservation genetic purposes in farm animal breeding. SSR analyses are applied successfully in parentage verification and pedigree analysis, as disease markers and to locate the mutation in genetic disorders in livestock animals. The ultimate use of SSRs markers is for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL), marker assisted selection (MAS) in order to practice genomic selection and improve the farm animal health. Developments in ‘omics’ technologies, such as genomic selection, may help overcome several of the limitations of traditional breeding programmes and will be especially beneficial in breeding for lowly heritable disease traits that only manifest themselves following exposure to pathogens or environmental stressors in adulthood. The current paper provides a brief overview of the present – day application of microsatellites markers in animal breeding and make significant contribution to the overall farm animal health and resistance to disease.