Development of microsatellite markers for grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, RODENTIA) using next-generation sequencing technology

The grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a hystricomorph rodent that inhabits mainly Sub-Saharan Africa and its meat is highly relished by most people in this region. The animal is hunted in the wild using techniques that are sometimes detrimental to the environment. It is therefore being domesticated to make the meat readily available to forestall the negative consequences of hunting. There are currently no genetic markers available and we report here, 33 novel microsatellite markers developed using next-generation sequencing technology. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 11 (mean 6. 4) while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0. 188 to 1. 000 (mean 0. 591) and 0. 322-0. 873 (mean 0. 713), respectively. Cumulative probability of identity (PI) for all loci was very low (PI = 3. 1 × 10 ^-33), indicating that these markers can be used for individual identification in the domestic setting. They will also be useful to study the genetic diversity of the grasscutter in the wild for population monitoring and conservation.