Development of Microsatellite Marker Assay for Individual Identification in Japanese Serows (Capricornis crispus)

Abstract

Microsatellite marker assay for individual identification of Japanese serows was developed. Genomic DNA extracted from the skins of 60 Japanese serow specimens collected in Morioka City and surrounding areas was amplified for a set of microsatellite markers for related species. Of 58 markers tested, PCR products were confirmed for 55 markers. DNA fragment analysis was performed on 21 markers for which amplification was particularly good, and polymorphisms were present for 18 of the markers with the number of alleles (N_A) in the range of 2 to 10. All 60 individuals in this sample could be distinguished using 8 markers with N_A≥4.