Y-specific microsatellite polymorphisms in a range of bovid species

At least five dinucleotide (CA)(n) microsatellite repeat arrays have been a ssigned to the bovine Y-chromosome, with one marker (INRA124) shown to be p olymorphic. We describe here the assessment of a panel of four Y-specific m icrosatellite markers for polymorphism in a range of cattle and related spe cies. It was possible to amplify all the markers in the animals sampled and all showed variation. Three of the microsatellite loci (INRA124, INRA189 a nd BM861) displayed putative taurine- and zebu-specific alleles which can b e useful indicators of male-mediated gene flow in hybrid populations. In th e future these microsatellites, in combination with other Y-specific marker s should provide a high-resolution Y haplotype system for evolutionary stud ies in both domesticated cattle and other related species.