The field of
molecular and genetic biology is relatively new to selective breeding. Only with the
development of high powered computers, scanners, and laboratory mechanization have new
techniques surfaced to dramatically accelerate the speed and reduce the cost of obtaining
genetic information. ASICo’s products are based upon techniques which enable DNA
material to be enriched (through cloning) such that large numbers of recombinant molecules
(DNA molecules that contain sequences from two or more sources) can easily be detected and
identified.
This information is then
digitally recorded and combined for the production of species and motif libraries. Such
libraries become the basic map for further genetic investigations. The proportion of cells
containing microsatellites (Short Tandem Repeats - STR’s), in these libraries can
range from 33 to 90% with average numbers of repeat patterns great enough (18-32) to
classify them as polymorphic (as observed in other species). Animals isolated using this
methodology are essentially fingerprinted and the characterization of their identities is
statistically accurate to one in 200 billion.
Once suitable microsatellite
loci locations have been identified (a process that can take 1-2 months), random new
specimens can be analyzed within a few hours using procedures that involve polymerase
chain reaction and electrophoretic analysis (available through ASICo or any commercial
recombinant DNA laboratory).
These loci (or markers)
provide sufficient resolution to determine relatedness among stocks, to identify specific
parents responsible for producing offspring with desirable traits, and to characterize
commercial strains of stock. The libraries further provide a rich source of genetic
markers for additional applications, including genomic mapping and identification of genes
of commercial importance. These loci are suitable for use in a commercial hatchery
enterprise intending to sell genetically selected post-larvae to farmers |
