Application of DNA markers in parentage verification of Boran cattle in Kenya

Abstract

Boran cattle provide livelihood to thousands of households in the arid and semi arid lands of Kenya. The Kenya Boran cattle breeders’ society (KBCBS) is actively involved in the improvement of the breed. Due to their superior adaptive and productive traits in comparison to other indigenous breeds of cattle, they have also become a popular choice for breeders in Eastern and Southern Africa. Their continued genetic improvement through progeny and performance testing is critical and accurate pedigree records are paramount. Pedigree records of four stud herds were evaluated for accuracy using 11 microsatellite markers on 178 samples. The microsatellite markers had a combined probability of exclusion (CPE) of 0.9997. The dam misidentification rate was 0 to 5% and that of the sires ranged from 4.3 to 80% between the four stud herds. 4,456 Boran pedigree records from Kenya stud book for the four participating stud herds were analysed for inbreeding. The average generation interval was 6.8 years and the estimated inbreeding coefficient was unexpectedly low (0.0023), probably due to incomplete records. The high rate of mispaternity will lead to low response to selection and increased inbreeding. The use of DNA markers for parentage assignment will improve the accuracy of the pedigree records. This will enhance the accuracy of selection, increase the rate of genetic gain and improve effective monitoring of inbreeding.