Identification of seven novel bovine microsatellite markers in a defined region of BTA3 based on bovine genome sequence assembly

To increase the marker density and fine map the QTL underlying milk yield and composition within the region of 10~44 cM on BTA3 (Bos taurus autosome 3), we isolated 7 novel microsatellite loci between markers URB006 and DIK5036 based on the draft assembly of bovine genome sequence (Btau_4.0) using SSRHunter3.0 in combination with sequencing. Their polymorphisms were further examined in 1276 Holstein dairy cows. Abundant genetic variation at each microsatellite locus was revealed with the average observed allele number ranging from 7 to 18, HE from 0.32 to 0.86, and PIC from 0.30 to 0.85.