Genetic parameters of the Chukchi breed populations in generational change

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to study the genetic characteristics of reindeer populations in the Chukotka Autonomous Region using DNA microsatellites. Genetic monitoring data for 2013 and 2018 are presented (the interval of one generation). In the genetic parameters of populations statistically significant differences were found. Samples are characterized by a large number of active alleles of breed diversity. The average number of alleles per locus ranged from 7.7 to 9.95. Indices of heterozygosity in the studied groups of deer are from 0.851 to 0.887 - indicate the prosperous condition of the populations of the Chukchi breed by genetic heterogeneity. The differentiation of livestock is influenced by inter-farm and inter-herd exchange of the allele pool. Criteria for the genetic similarity of the selective sample populations of 2013 and 2018 according to the frequencies of the ISSR markers were in the range from 0.852 to 0.993, which indicates the stability of the gene pools of the studied deer groups. Eco-geographical and economic conditions affect the frequency of ISSR markers with a force of ηx2 = 67-70.4%, being the main factor of intraspecific differentiation. According to the identified microsatellite loci, the populations of the Chukchi breed are in a state of genetic equilibrium. Factors which stabilize the genetic structure of the populations of the Chukchi breed are free crosses typical for reindeer, a large number of males involved in reproduction. Noting that the number of deer of the Chukchi breed is declining, constant monitoring of its gene pool is necessary, which provides the stability of populations.