DNA fingerprinting in the representatives of the Bovinae subfamily using the (TTAGGG)(4) telomeric marker

The (TTAGGG)(4) oligonucleotide homologous to telomeric tandem repeats of h uman chromosomes was used for the first time as a multilocus hybridization probe for the analysis of genome variability in the two genera (Bos and Bis on) of the Bovinae subfamily. DNA profiles for cattle, banteng, aurochs, an d bison were obtained. Hybridization spectra were represented by the discre te individual- and species-specific bands characterized by codominant inher itance. For comparison, DNA profiles of the same samples obtained using the bacteriophage M13 DNA probe are presented. The usefulness of the microsate llite examined for the testing of pedigrees, description of intra- and inte rbreed variability as well as for determining relationships and the origins of the species of the Bovinae subfamily is discussed.