CHARACTERIZATION OF BOVINE MICROSATELLITES BY SILVER STAINING

Silver staining was used to detect amplified microsatellite loci from the bovine genome. The standard silver-staining procedure was modified to allow more direct control in the development of signals. Microsate llites were analysed, to compare the silver-staining technique and the direct incorporation of a radioactive tracer. With silver staining, l evels of sensitivity were achieved that are typical of those with radi oisotopic detection. Also, silver staining is a cheaper process, is le ss hazardous to operators and the environment, and can be performed in laboratories without radioisotopic facilities. A significant advantag e of silver staining is the speed of the process, producing results of a typing in 1 day.