Genetic variation (protein markers and microsatellites) in endangered Catalonian donkeys

Genetic variation of the endangered Catalonian donkey breed (Equus asinus) has been analysed at 19 loci including seven protein loci and 12 microsatellite loci isolated from the domestic horse, in 98 individuals of both sexes. Only four protein markers and three microsatellites were polymorphic. Allele frequencies of the analysed loci showed close agreement with Hardy-Weinberg proportions, with the exception of the MPZ002 locus (P < 0.01). The within-population inbreeding estimate was not significantly different from zero (as measured by F(IS)-statistic). The cumulative- exclusion probability for all polymorphic loci was 82.9%, this value still being very low so that these markers could efficiently be utilised for verification of parentage.