Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of zoo animals using HaeIII and four single-locus probes.

Abstract

Using HaeIII as the restriction endonuclease, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of dried blood samples from various animals was conducted. Single-locus probes D2S44, D10S28, D1S7, and D4S139, as well as monomorphic probe D7Z2, were used to examine for banding patterns. If bands were present, the samples were further examined for heterogeneity (whether single or multiple bands were observed) and polymorphism (whether variation in band location was shown between the animals studied within a species). Blood samples from animals, including primates, were obtained from Miami Metrozoo, Miami, Florida. Some of the animals were non-related individuals while others were related. Banding patterns were observed in colobus' for D2S44, D1S7, and D4S139; owl monkeys for D2S44; gorillas for D2S44 and D4S139; gibbons for D2S44 and D4S139; siamangs for D2S44, talapoins for DiS7; cranes for D1S7; and otters for D1S7. Based upon these, all of the animals for which a conclusion could be drawn appeared to be homozygous and monomorphic (exhibited only an invariant single band) for the loci examined except colobus' for D4S139, gorillas for D4S139, cranes for D1S7, and otters for D1S7.