Estimation of inbreeding in cattle using RAPD markers

Inbreeding indicates the degree of homozygosity at a locus within a population. Normally inbreeding is estimated in terms of a coefficient calculated from the pedigree of an individual. If no history is available, however, there is no way to estimate the inbreeding coefficient. Sometimes, data on individuals are missing, and that too can prevent the estimation of the inbreeding coefficient, which is essential for formulation of a breeding programme at the farm level and for breed development.