EN
Microsatellites are tandem repeats of a simple sequence that occur abundantly and at random throughout most eukaryotic genomes.Mammalian microsatellite loci have been shown to be highly polymorphic due to variation in the number of repeat units.They are very good markers for quantitative traits loci (QTLs) mapping studies.Swedish Group from Agricultural University in Uppsala found evidence for QTLs on chromosome 4 with large effects on growth , fat deposition and length of the small intestine based on the analysis of genetic linkage between quantitative level and 105 genetic markers (68 microsatellities loci and 37 others markers).The localization of the gene affecting the ovulation rate and litter size on chromosome 6 in sheep has been documented on the basis of identification of genetic linkage between Booroola fecundity (FecB) gene and two microsatellite loci (OarHH55 and OarAE101) by a New Zealand scientist.Out of all types of actually known genetic markers microsatellites are most useful for QTLs mapping.