Genetic variability of two sub-populations of native Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) from southern Ecuador

The current growing need to conserve local animal genetic resources as sources of genetic variability (GV), raises the need to carry out research that helps to know their current state; for this reason, the GV of two native subpopulations of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) called: Azuay and Caner, geographically located in the south of Ecuador, was studied. For its characterization, six-microsatellite DNA markers were used, sampling 50 animals from each subpopulation and a third group of 50 animals of Peruvian origin as an external group for comparison. Of the six markers used, five could be amplified; a considerable number of alleles (9.8) was found in the general population and a value of (7.02) the same in both populations with a high degree of polymorphism (PIC = 0.7035); two loci studied, MS I in both subpopulations and MS III in Azuay, were not found in HW equilibrium. GV was high in both subpopulations (H-o 0.694), as well as a certain degree of genetic differentiation (G(ST) = 0.066), with two private alleles with frequencies above 10 % (MS IV, Azuay 301 bp and 297 bp in Canar), giving an indication of becoming markers of race. The genetic distance between Azuay and Caner subpopulations is medium (0.17), however, it turned out to be higher than those found between each of these and the Peruvian population. The genetic reality found suggests the need to intervene on these populations in order to conserve the native genetic material incorporating a sustainable management of the zoogenetic resource.