Identification of DNA sequences affecting chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera Molina, 1782) behaviour

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the types of chinchilla behaviour and different images of band patterns obtained using the RAPD-PCR technique. The sound-move test allowed classification of the animals into confident, reserved and indifferent ones. The results of the pilot study based on markers OPA07 and OPA12 suggest the existence of DNA regions containing nucleotide sequences that determine chinchilla behaviour. It is advisable that further analyses should be performed aimed at discovering sequences of genetic material that may determine the traits studied. This will facilitate using the band pattern as an additional criterion, beside lineage information, in animal selection.