Estructura genética-poblacional de gatos domésticos (Felis catus), usando marcadores fenotípicos en Santa Marta, Colombia

Variations on fur, color and texture frequently defer between animal race, they are the result of a group of genes polymorphism and expressed in phenotype markers which have turn into an useful tool for the population genetics research, since they represent different types of genetic inheritance and actions. The objective of our research was to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of the domestic cats (Felis catus) population in Santa Marta Colombia through fur genes. Methodologically it was done cats (420) sampling around 6 neighborhood in Santa Marta city. Fur phenotype was determined by morphological descriptions and based on that the genetic variability index were evaluated: allelic frequency, Hardy-Weinberg balance, genetic diversity, demographic structure, genetic flux, genetic distance. It was obtained a high frequency of Orange O and spotting (S) markers. Markers showed no Hardy-Weinberg balance. Population showed a moderate differentiation level (GST=2. 0,110). In conclusion: Santa Marta. Presents a few differences in domestic cats genetic structures and high selection levels in some phenotypes