Computer software for performing likelihood tests of pedigree relationship using genetic markers

Abstract

Molecular techniques are making ever more genetic markers available for use in parentage assignment, and measures of relatedness. We present a program, Kinship, designed to use likelihood techniques to test for any non-inbred pedigree relationship between pairs of individuals, using single-locus codominant genetic markers. Kinship calculates the likelihood that each pair of individuals in a data set are related by a given pedigree hypothesis, and likelihood ratios for any pair of hypotheses. The program also uses a simulation routine to attach statistical significance to its results.