Comparative genetic assessment of two populations of reindeer of the Nenets breed of the Ural ecotype

Relevance. Research in the field of population genetics is one of the main tools for forming a breeding strategy and increasing the economic efficiency of reindeer husbandry.

Methods. The object of the study was the reindeer of the Komi Republic (PSK, n = 100) and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug) (YOS, n = 100). Plucks from the auricle and antlers were used for genetic analysis. The genotype of the animals was determined by 16 microsatellite markers using the COrDIS Reindeer multiplex PCR test system. The statistical analysis was performed in the GenAlEx 6.503 program.

Results. The Shannon index indicated high allelic diversity in Rt1 (PSK) and OheQ (PSK, YOS) loci, with minimal diversity in BMS745 and C276. The PSK population was characterized by high observed heterozygosity in Rt9 (0.940) and low in C143 (0.430), while among YamaloNenets Autonomous District animals, the maximum values were in Rt1 and OheQ (0.880), and the minimum values were in C143 and C276 (0.350). Assessment of the fixation index in PSK deer revealed an excess of heterozygosity in Rt9 and Rt6, a deficiency in BMS1788, and in YOS animals there was an excess in T40 and a deficiency in C276. The PSK population had a higher margin of heterozygosity (0.040, р < 0.05) relative to YOS. A comprehensive analysis revealed 7 unique sequences in PSK deer and 4 in YOS. The frequencies of private alleles were 6% and 4%, respectively. The Wright fixation index showed moderate divergence between populations at loci BMS1788, Rt1, C143, C276, and C32, and significant divergence at BMS745. The Gst and Dest scores confirmed these results. Overall, the YOS population turned out to be less genetically diverse compared to the PSK. To reduce the level of inbreeding in the YOS herd, it is necessary to organize the import of producers from other populations. 

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