Saginaw Valley State University, Biology, University Center, MI 48710
Migratory waterfowl are an important component of the ecosystem and an important recreational resource in Michigan. The long-term viability of these populations depends in part on the degree of genetic variation found in the populations. This in turn depends on demographic parameters and details of the breeding structure. In order to assess genetic diversity, DNA fingerprinting was performed. DNA was extracted from feathers using a Qiagen DNeasy kit. Templates were amplified by PCR using primers to highly polymorphic loci. Products were checked on agarose gels and sized using the CEQ 8000 from Beckman Coulter in order to determine genotype. The preliminary results indicate that this technique will provide a virtually unlimited number of genetic markers that should allow for the assessment and monitoring of genetic diversity in these populations.
[Abstract (DOC)]