Characterization of Microsatellite Markers for Paternity Analysis in Captive Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta)

Abstract

This study evaluates the utility of previously developed microsatellite markers in a paternity test of captive loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Two candidate males, one female, and 40 offsprings from three distinct clutches were genotyped for 14 markers. The number of alleles and observed heterozygosity per locus ranged from three to five and 0.488 to 1.000, respectively. Based on these multi-locus genotypes, paternity of all offsprings could be successfully determined. The results of this study indicate that these microsatellite markers provide reliable information for DNA parentage testing of loggerhead turtles.