Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among three Egyptian rabbit breeds (Gabali, Baladi Red and Baladi Black) along with New Zealand White breed as a reference population. A total of 120 animals were used in this study, 30 animals from each breed. Genomic DNA was extracted and PCR amplification was performed and the amplification products were resolved by electrophoresis. A total of 14 RAPD primers of arbitrary sequence were used to amplify pooled genomic DNA from these breeds, and only 10 primers generated reproducible, score able and polymorphic bands. Out of 131 bands scored, 74 bands (56.48%) were recognized as polymorphic and 57 bands (43.52%) as monomorphic. The highest percentage of polymorphic bands was recognized by primers OPB02 (94%) and OPB07 (92%), and the lowest percentage of polymorphic bands was recognized by primers OPA02(16%) and OPF12 (28%). One marker of OPA19 was identified as specific for New Zealand White, three markers detected by OPB02, OPA19 and OPA02 were specific for Baladi Black, four markers detected by OPA19, OPA20, OPB05 and OPB07 in Gabali, and five markers of OPB05, OPB02, OPA19, OPF12 and OPB14 were specific for Baladi Red. The band sharing frequencies (BSF) were found to be the highest between Baladi Red and Baladi Black (0.80± 0.038), followed by Gabali and Baladi Black (0.71±0.079 ), New Zealand White and Baladi Black (0.70±0.096), New Zealand White and Baladi Red (0.69±0.088) and the least BSF was found between New Zealand White and Gabali (0.64±0.081). Overall, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in BSF values between breeds. The closest genetic distance was found between Baladi Red and Baladi Black (0.87), while the lowest genetic distance was found between New Zealand White and Baladi Black (0.73). |
