Discrimination between selected lines of pigs using AFLP markers

Amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP ® ) markers were used to discriminate between lines of pigs, divergently selected over seven generations for components of efficient lean growth rate. A total of 270 animals with 30 animals per line were genotyped for 239 polymorphic AFLP markers. Canonical variate analysis identified linear combinations of the AFLP marker scores that grouped animals by selection line with no overlap between selection lines. Cluster analysis of AFLP marker scores identified 10 groups of animals with 226 of the 270 animals clustered into nine groups, each consisting of animals from only one selection line. AFLP marker genotyping, using the Eco RI and Taq I restriction enzymes, provided an effective means of discriminating between animals of different selection lines that have arisen from one base population.