Comparison of Three Anadromous Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Populations Using DNA Fingerprinting and Mixed DNA Samples

Abstract

DNA fingerprinting of 15 individuals from three populations of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was compared with DNA fingerprinting of mixtures of 15 individuals from the same populations. Three oligonucleotide fingerprinting probes were used to detect genetic variation in individuals and mixtures. Scanning image analysis coupled with customized software was used to assign band identity. The degree of band sharing of individuals within and between populations was then determined. Although band-sharing estimates were similar within and between populations, bands found predominately in one population were identified. DNA fingerprinting of mixtures detected bands found only in the majority of the individuals in the mixture, allowing differences between populations to be more readily identified.