Centric fusion in goats (Capra hircus): Identification of a 6/15 translocation by high resolution chromosome banding

Abstract

Nine phenotypically normal Saanen goats (6 males and 3 females) belonging to the goat house of the Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, Botucatu Campus, were analyzed cytogenetically. The objective of the present study was to determine whether or not chromosomes 5 and 15 are involved in a Robertsonian translocation previously observed in a sample of a Brazilian herd using the chromosome pattern described by the ISCNDA (1989). The results suggest the involvement of chromosomes 6 and 15 in the fusion demonstrated by G-banding in prometaphase cells. The Brazilian sample of animals carrying structural rearrangements did not present any reduction in fertility, suggesting the existence of prezygotic selection against unbalanced gametes. Further investigations on the Brazilian herd are necessary to assess the real incidence of Robertsonian translocations and their effects on reproductive performance.