Moderate Levels Of Inbreeding Research Articles

Comparative Population Genomics of Arctic Sled Dogs Reveals a Deep and Complex History.

Recent evidence demonstrates genomic and morphological continuity in the Arctic ancestral lineage of dogs. Here, we use the Siberian Husky to investigate the genomic legacy of the northeast Eurasian Arctic lineage and model the deep population history using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. Utilizing ancient dog-calibrated molecular clocks, we found that at least two distinct lineages of Arctic dogs existed in ancient Eurasia at the end of the Pleistocene. This pushes back the origin of sled dogs in the northeast Siberian Arctic with humans likely intentionally selecting dogs to perform different functions and keeping breeding populations that overlap in time and space relatively reproductively isolated. In modern Siberian Huskies, we found significant population structure based on how they are used by humans, recent European breed introgression in about half of the dogs that participate in races, moderate levels of inbreeding, and fewer potentially harmful variants in populations under strong selection for form and function (show, sled show, and racing populations of Siberian Huskies). As the struggle to preserve unique evolutionary lineages while maintaining genetic health intensifies across pedigreed dogs, understanding the genomic history to guide policies and best practices for breed management is crucial to sustain these ancient lineages and their unique evolutionary identity.

Evolution history and the importance of genomic diversity facing climate change. The case of Agave marmorata Roezl., a microendemic agave used for mezcal production

Social Impact StatementFor hundreds of years, Agave marmorata plants have been used in the production of alcoholic beverages in Mexico. This species is very important in small‐scale rural economies because it is a large plant, yielding five liters of mezcal. However, the production of these beverages takes place when it reaches its reproductive stage, which takes up to 35 years. Due to its slow maturation and high demand, it is considered an endangered species. Therefore, as a conservation strategy, this study proposes the creation of nurseries, genetic breeding programs, and demographic monitoring of wild populations to counteract the extraction of wild plants and, the conservation of the genetic diversity.Summary Agave marmorata Roezl., is an endemic species distributed in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, Mexico, and locally is widely used to produce mezcal. We assessed the genomic diversity and differentiation using the RADseq method and 29,101 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wild plants and grown under three different management types (cultivated, plants used as live fences, and young plants growing in nurseries). We examined the demographic history and used species distribution modeling to understand the future of A. marmorata under scenarios of climate change. We found high levels of genomic diversity (HS = 0.229) and moderate levels of inbreeding (FIS = 0.106 and Fhat3 = 0.190). The cultivated samples harbored less genetic diversity than the wild plants. Furthermore, we estimated low differentiation between cultivated and wild localities (FST = 0.037). In the wild samples, we identified two main genetic groups, one in the East and another in the West of its distribution area. This genetic structure possibly derived from a population contraction during the Pleistocene (~216,879.75 BP) and the formation of two refugia in small areas with climatic stability. Furthermore, the demographic reconstruction indicated that A. marmorata went through a recent population expansion event, with a large current Ne (Ne = 8,009). The future climate change models indicated contrasting possible changes in its distribution range, from an increase to the reduction of its suitable habitat, differences related to model parametrization, and future levels of CO2 production. We propose conservation measures for the different management types of the species while also considering the biotic and abiotic interactions of Agave marmorata.

Genetic analysis of a Kaijiang duck conservation population through genome-wide scan

ABSTRACT 1. The Kaijiang duck is a native Chinese breed known for its excellent egg laying performance, killing-out percentage (88.57%), and disease resistance. The assessment of population genetic structure is the basis for understanding the genetics of indigenous breeds and for their protection and management. 2. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed on 60 Kaijiang ducks to identify genetic variations and investigate the population structure. Homozygosity (ROH) analysis was conducted to assess inbreeding levels in the population. 3. The study revealed a moderate level of inbreeding, indicated by an average inbreeding coefficient of 0.1043. This may impact the overall genetic diversity. 4. Genomic Regions of Interest identified included 168 genomic regions exhibiting high levels of autozygosity. These regions were associated with processes including muscle growth, pigmentation, neuromodulation, and growth and reproduction. 5. The significance of these pathways indicated their potential role in shaping the desirable traits of the Kaijiang duck. These findings provide insights into the genetic basis of the Kaijiang duck’s desirable traits and can inform future breeding and conservation efforts.

Analysing the genetic diversity and population structure of five native Turkish cattle breeds using SNP data.

The conservation and sustainable utilization of cattle genetic resources necessitate a comprehensive understanding of their genetic diversity and population structure. This study provides an analysis of five native Turkish cattle breeds: Anatolian Black (ANB), Turkish Grey (TUR), Anatolian Southern Yellow (ASY), East Anatolian Red (EAR), and South Anatolian Red (SAN) using 50 K SNP data. These breeds were compared with three European breeds, Simmental (SIM), Holstein (HOL), and Jersey (JER), and three Asian Zebu breeds: Arabic Zebu (ZAR), Nelore (NEL), and Red Sindhi (RSI). Genetic diversity indices demonstrated moderate heterogeneity among the breeds, with TUR exhibiting the highest observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.35). Wright's Fst values indicated significant genetic differentiation, particularly between Turkish breeds and both European (Fst = 0.035-0.071) and Asian breeds (Fst = 0.025-0.150). Principal component analysis distinguished the unique genetic profiles of each breed cluster. Admixture analysis revealed degrees of shared genetic ancestry, suggesting historical gene flow between Turkish, European, and Asian breeds. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) attributed approximately 58% of the variation to population differences. Nei's genetic distances highlighted the closer genetic relatedness within Turkish breeds (distance ranges between 0.032 and 0.046) and suggested a more relative affinity of TUR with European breeds. The study's phylogenetic assessments elucidate the nuanced genetic relationships among these breeds, with runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis indicating patterns of ancestral relatedness and moderate levels of inbreeding, particularly evident in Turkish breeds. Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic landscape of Turkish cattle, offering a crucial foundation for informed conservation and breeding strategies aimed at preserving these breeds' genetic integrity and heritage.

Genetic Variability of Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae) from Plantations and Remnant Populations in the Mayan Forest

In Neotropical regions, plantations and remnant forest populations of native trees coexist in a highly fragmented matrix and may be affected by isolation and reduction in population size, leading to genetic structure, inbreeding, and genetic bottlenecks that reduce the population’s genetic diversity. Tabebuia rosea variability in the Mayan Forest was studied by genotyping 30 trees from three plantations and three remnant natural populations using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). Ho-SSR estimates were lower than He; the mean inbreeding coefficient was 0.07 and did not differ among populations, but was eight times higher in plantations than in remnant populations. Using ISSR data, the individuals were assigned to k = 5 and k = 4 clusters under admixture without and with geographic information used as priors in Bayesian analysis assignments. Genetic differentiation estimated with the Bayesian estimator II (0.0275 ± 0.0052) was significantly different from 0, but FST was not (0.0985 ± 0.1826), while paired FST among populations ranged from 0.05 up to 0.16. Only one remnant population displayed evidence of a genetic bottleneck. T. rosea displays a genetic structure in which the isolated remnant forest populations show moderate inbreeding levels.

Polymorphism of the callipyge gene in an Albanian sheep breed and association with body weight

The callipyge (CLPG) gene is a candidate gene associated with meat production in sheep. The purpose of the study was to identify the association of polymorphisms in the 3'UTR of the CLPG (MEG3) gene in Albanian sheep breed with morphometric traits and body weight. A total of 87 individuals were studied regarding the morphometric traits and the polymorphisms of 3'UTR of the CLPG (MEG3) gene. The frequency of the mutated allele (T) was 0.339. The less frequent genotype was TT. The population was in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. The fixation index was 10.2% indicating a moderate level of inbreeding. The results indicated no significant effect of this locus on morphometric traits and body weight. The preliminary data provided in this study suggest that the nucleotide change in the 3′UTR can be used in marker-assisted selection to increase the body weight of animals.

Anthropogenic fragmentation increases risk of genetic decline in the threatened orchid Platanthera leucophaea.

Protecting biodiversity requires an understanding of how anthropogenic changes impact the genetic processes associated with extinction risk. Studies of the genetic changes due to anthropogenic fragmentation have revealed conflicting results. This is likely due to the difficulty in isolating habitat loss and fragmentation, which can have opposing impacts on genetic parameters. The well‐studied orchid, Platanthera leucophaea, provides a rich dataset to address this issue, allowing us to examine range‐wide genetic changes. Midwestern and Northeastern United States. We sampled 35 populations of P. leucophaea that spanned the species’ range and varied in patch composition, degree of patch isolation, and population size. From these populations we measured genetic parameters associated with increased extinction risk. Using this combined dataset, we modeled landscape variables and population metrics against genetic parameters to determine the best predictors of increased extinction risk. All genetic parameters were strongly associated with population size, while development and patch isolation showed an association with genetic diversity and genetic structure. Genetic diversity was lowest in populations with small census sizes, greater urbanization pressures (habitat loss), and small patch area. All populations showed moderate levels of inbreeding, regardless of size. Contrary to expectation, we found that critically small populations had negative inbreeding values, indicating non‐random mating not typically observed in wild populations, which we attribute to selection for less inbred individuals. The once widespread orchid, Platanthera leucophaea, has suffered drastic declines and extant populations show changes in the genetic parameters associated with increased extinction risk, especially smaller populations. Due to the important correlation with risk and habitat loss, we advocate continued monitoring of population sizes by resource managers, while the critically small populations may need additional management to reverse genetic declines.

Genetic diversity of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) using microsatellite markers in northern Togo.

Indigenous guinea fowl is an important animal resource for improving rural household income. In order to provide molecular data for a sustainable management of this poultry resource, an assessment of the genetic diversity and phylogenic relationships was undertaken on seven guinea fowl phenotypes from two agroecological zones (Dry Savannah and Atakora) of Togo. Genotyping was carried out using 18 microsatellite markers on 94 individuals from Dry Savannah (59) and Atakora (35) zones. The results obtained showed a high genetic diversity, with six as an average alleles per locus and an observed heterozygosity of 0.512. However, the FIS values varied from 0.047 (Lavender) to 0.257 (Albino), reflecting a deficit of heterozygotes, which suggests low to moderate inbreeding levels. The genetic distances between phenotypes are low, ranging from 0.0068 (Bonaparte-Pearl grey) to 0.1559 (Lavender-Albino), unlike the strong genetic identities that reflect a strong genetic similarity between the seven phenotypes of indigenous guinea fowl studied. These results indicate the existence of a single indigenous guinea fowl population, derived from three probable parental populations, with a high within population genetic diversity (phenotypic or agroecological zone). These results could be of use to conservation and improvement programs aiming at the maintenance and sustainable exploitation of this important socio-cultural and economic resource in Togo.

Inbreeding status and implications for Amur tigers

AbstractInbreeding more likely occurs in small, isolated and endangered populations, and may influence the sustainable survival of a population. As the Amur tiger Panthera tigris altaica population in China experienced a severe decline in the 1990s, the recovering population may be prone to inbreeding and its potential impacts on population health. However, the inbreeding status has not been evaluated and relationships with health remain poorly understood in wild animals. Based on the genetic samples collected from the main Amur tiger habitats in China, this study analyzed the population inbreeding level, major histocompatibility complex polymorphism, parasitic infections and gut microbial structures and functions, and then explored the influence of inbreeding on these traits. Our results indicated that more than 50% of individual relationships were in cousin or half sibs, and 22.73% of individuals had moderate or high inbreeding coefficients. There was a significant positive correlation between the inbreeding level of an individual and the Toxocara cati parasitic load. Gut microbiota community structure and function were also impacted by inbreeding intensity. In conclusion, results indicate that the Amur tiger population in China has reached a moderate level of inbreeding and that there are direct interactions between inbreeding intensity and parasitic load and gut microbiota. This study thus provides an early warning on the Amur tiger population health and should prompt the construction of national and international ecological corridors and/or the re‐introduction of new individuals to relieve the evident inbreeding pressure.

Population Genetics of the Invasive Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes, in South-Eastern Australia.

The use of genetic information in conservation biology has become more widespread with genetic information more readily available for non-model organisms. It has also been recognized that genetic information from invasive species can inform their management and control. The red fox poses a significant threat to Australian native fauna and the agricultural industry. Despite this, there are few recently published studies investigating the population genetics of foxes in Australia. This study investigated the population genetics of 94 foxes across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of New South Wales, Australia. Diversity Array sequencing technology was used to genotype a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (N = 33,375). Moderate genetic diversity and relatedness were observed across the foxes sampled. Low to moderate levels of inbreeding, high-levels of identity-by-state values, as well as high identity-by-descent values were also found. There was limited evidence for population genetic structure among the foxes across the landscape sampled, supporting the presence of a single population across the study area. This indicates that there may be no barriers hindering fox dispersal across the landscape.

Assessment of the impact of the inbreeding level on productive traits and length of the productive life of cows

Dairy cattle breeding employs both heterogeneous and homogeneous selection. The impact of the inbreeding level on productive traits and length of the productive life of cows is assessed. It is found that despite an insignificant increase in milk yield of inbred animals (by 93–378 kg, depending on the inbreeding level, and on average by 73 kg per the inbred animals group), their milk quality, namely mass content of fat and protein, is found to decrease, and the live weight is revealed to significantly increase (P⩽0.05). Herd cows are superior in terms of the requirements of the standard for black-motley breed by 2500–2947 kg in groups (on average by 2624 kg) in milk yield and by 0.31% in the fat content in milk. For the Holstein breed, these results are insignificantly lower and amount to 1500–1924 kg (an average of 1624 kg) for milk yield. Inbred cows with moderate levels of inbreeding and outbred animals yielded the greatest amount of milk and nutrients due to an increased length of productive life. With age, milk production of cows virtually does not change and remains at a sufficiently high level. Closely related crossbreeding and an increased pedigree index in the Holstein breed increase the milk yield and the length of productive life by 0.2–0.4 lactation. Inbred cows with a moderate degree of inbreeding remain superior to outbred cows in life-long productivity.

Moose genomes reveal past glacial demography and the origin of modern lineages

BackgroundNumerous megafauna species from northern latitudes went extinct during the Pleistocene/Holocene transition as a result of climate-induced habitat changes. However, several ungulate species managed to successfully track their habitats during this period to eventually flourish and recolonise the holarctic regions. So far, the genomic impacts of these climate fluctuations on ungulates from high latitudes have been little explored. Here, we assemble a de-novo genome for the European moose (Alces alces) and analyse it together with re-sequenced nuclear genomes and ancient and modern mitogenomes from across the moose range in Eurasia and North America.ResultsWe found that moose demographic history was greatly influenced by glacial cycles, with demographic responses to the Pleistocene/Holocene transition similar to other temperate ungulates. Our results further support that modern moose lineages trace their origin back to populations that inhabited distinct glacial refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Finally, we found that present day moose in Europe and North America show low to moderate inbreeding levels resulting from post-glacial bottlenecks and founder effects, but no evidence for recent inbreeding resulting from human-induced population declines.ConclusionsTaken together, our results highlight the dynamic recent evolutionary history of the moose and provide an important resource for further genomic studies.

The use of inbreeding in dairy cattle breeding

In cattle breeding during breeding season, great importance is attached to the selection of male and female pairs. The purpose of the work is to assess the effect of inbreeding on the milk production of cows of different genotypes. It was found that the main number of animals in the herd was obtained using remote inbreeding, which is 83.8%. The use of related mating led to a decrease in the age of the first calving by 0.3 months, a lactation period by 0.4, and a slight increase in milk yield by 78 kg with a decrease in the mass fraction of fat by 0.01% and protein by 0.02%, relative to outbred cows. A significant change in the productive longevity of animals obtained by outbred breeding and the use of a moderate level of inbreeding (P≤0.05) was noted. The effect of blood on Holstein breed on the productive qualities of cows was also established. An increase in blood level to 75-91% led to an increase in milk yield and qualitative indicators of productivity. Thus, the average milk yield in the group increased by 566 kg or 9.4%, while increasing the mass fraction of fat by 0.04% and protein by 0.04%. The best indicators of productivity within the genotype groups were established with a remote level of inbreeding and a genotype of Holstein breed 91-97% blood. In the future, when developing a breeding plan, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the best quality indicators of productivity, namely the mass fraction of fat and the mass fraction of protein are higher in cows with a genotype from 76 to 91% and a moderate level of inbreeding - 3.97% and 3.08%.

Assessment of the effect of inbreeding on the productive longevity of dairy cattle

When breeding dairy cattle, both heterogeneous and homogeneous selection is used. Assessment of the influence of the degree of inbreeding on the productive quality and duration of the productive longevity of cows. It was found that despite a slight increase in milk yield in inbred animals (by 93 - 378 kg depending on the degree of inbreeding and by 73 kg on average for the group of inbred animals), a decrease in the qualitative indicators of milk, the mass fraction of fat and the mass fraction of protein and a significant increase in live weight of cows (P≤0.05) obtained using inbreeding. There is a superiority of herd cows over the requirements of the standard for black and white breed by 2500 - 2947 kg in groups (on average by 2624 kg) in milk yield and by 0.31% in the mass fraction of fat in milk; for Holstein breed these results are slightly lower and amount to 1500-1924 kg (an average of 1624 kg) for milk yield. The greatest amount of milk and nutrients was obtained from inbred cows with moderate levels of inbreeding and outbred animals, due to an increase in the duration of productive use. With the age of the cows, their milk production practically does not change, remaining at a fairly high level. The use of closely related crossbreeding with a simultaneous increase in the blood level in the Holstein breed leads to a slight increase in milk yield and the duration of productive longevity by 0.2-0.4 lactation. In lifetime productivity, inbred cows with a moderate degree of inbreeding remain superior. Outbred animals are at second place.

THE GENEALOGY RELATIONSHIP OF HOLSTEIN BULLS IN UKRAINE

The grades of genealogy relationship of bulls with the head of bloodlines are not equivalent in each genealogical formation and are stipulated by the number of animals (branching) in bloodline, their diversity, distance from the head of bloodlines and system of selection. Thus, the coefficients of kinship of bulls, descendants of which have 5 and more ranks in genealogy: 1427381 Chief (n = 79), 1650414 Valiant (n = 10) and Elevation 1491007 (n = 64) with the ancestors of these bloodlines were 5,67; 8,81 and 8,37% respectively.
 Slight higher coefficients of genealogical kinship of bulls with successors of Chief bloodlines – Blackstar 1929410 – by 2,28 (7,35%) and Belwood 2103297– by 1,67% (6,37%), due to the use of the last ones in the pedigrees of these bulls on the maternal side.
 Significantly higher coefficientsof genealogical kinship of bulls of Starbuck 352790 bloodlines (n = 112) were with the ancestor and successors of this bloodline. Thus, the coefficient of kinship of bulls of Starbuck bloodline with their ancestor was 13,4% and with successors Aerostar 383622 – 16,9%, Mtoto 6001001962 – 9,0%, Storm 6820564– 10,9% and Shottle 598172 – 9,8%.
 It was found that the highest coefficient of genealogical kinship was at the bulls of new lines and related groups Marshal 2290977 – 30,5; Toystory 60372887 – 18,5; Buckeye 130588960 – 14,8; Goldwyn 10705608 – 19,1; Shottle 598172 – 25,1%. This is because the offspring were at 1-2 generations from their founders.
 The high interline genealogical kinship of bulls was revealed. Thus, the coefficient of genealogical kinship of bulls of all the bloodlines with progenitor of Starbuck 352790 bloodlines was 0,96-13,4 and with his son Aerostar 383622 – 2,9-16,9%.
 Average degrees of kinship of bulls of all the population with these leaders of the breed were also quite high (8,16 and 11,42% respectively). This shows the great saturation of pedigree of all the Holstein bulls bygenes of Starbuck 352790, Aerostar 383622 and Elevation 1491007, which complicates scheduling the breeding selection even at crossing bloodlines because ancestors of the same bulls of several lines are in pedigree of animals of each bloodline. This explains increasing inbred cows in the latest generation of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy cattle to 71,3-91,3%.
 Perhaps for restraining growth of the number of inbred cows, US experts prolong duration of hereditary qualities transmissionof a founder in generations by creating so-called "inbred" lines. To do this, for carefully selected mothers of bulls with high levels of economic useful traits (yield, fat and protein contents) of some line are selected bull-leaders of the same line with similar breeding values (homogeneous selection). Using inbreeding of different degrees from remote (V-V) and moderate degrees (III-IV, IV-IV) to close one (II-II, II-III, III-III), inbred animals are obtained and bred "in itself" again (integrated inbreeding). Probability of obtaining larger number of animals with hereditary traits of ancestor’s performance increases. So, 30 (8,77%) of 342 bulls used in Ukraine, are obtained in this way and bulls of only this line used as fathers in 4 ranks of their pedigree.
 Use of moderate and remote levels of inbreeding on ancestorsof lines maintains high genealogical kinship of animals at their distance in generation and accumulation of valuable traits in populations which are inherent for ancestorsof lines.
 Share of inbred bulls in all the lines is quite high – 80,7%. On average, 15 bulls were obtained as a result of the close degree of inbreeding in the population (II-II, II-III). The number of moderate levels of inbreeding (II-IV, III-IV, IV-IV and IV-V) at obtaining these bulls was 244 and remote one (V-V and above) – 195.
 In addition, 116 fathers and 59 mothers received as a result of various degrees of inbreedingwere foundin the pedigrees of the bulls. Among them 15 animals (8,57%) were as a result of close degree of inbreeding, 127 (72,6%) – moderate and 33 (18,8%) – remote; it also forms the genealogical relationship between bulls of various lines.
 Thus, the rate of genealogical kinship characterizes the intensity of using bull-leaders, ancestors of bloodlines and their successors for breeding stock, from both paternal and maternal sides of genealogy and genealogical relations between some bloodlines, it is important to consider while forming further genealogical structure of the breed and breeding selection as at breeding herds, so at production ones of domestic dairy cattle.

Characterization and microsatellite analysis for genetic diversity and bottlenecks of Spiti donkey

The Spiti donkeys distributed in Spiti and Yangthang regions of Himachal Pradesh were characterized for morphometric characteristics, management practices and utility. They were also evaluated for genetic diversity and bottlenecks using microsatellite markers. Spiti donkeys remain comparatively smaller in size with compact bodies usually covered with a thick coat of long hairs. The height at withers of male and female Spiti donkeys was 88.59±3.27 and 88.65±3.30 cm, respectively. The genomic DNA isolated from the blood samples collected from the 46 animals of this breed was amplified by PCR and resolved for alleles on automated DNA sequencer. The observed number of alleles ranged from 4 (VHL20, HTG6) to 10 (HTG7), with a mean of 6.33±1.72 alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.48 (NVHEQ54) to 0.89 (HTG7), with a mean value of 0.72±0.13. The mean FIS was 0.048 indicating moderate level of inbreeding. The normal 'L' shaped distribution of allelic frequency indicated towards absence of any recent genetic bottlenecks in the Spiti donkeys.

Inbreeding and inbreeding avoidance in wild giant pandas

Inbreeding can have negative consequences on population and individual fitness, which could be counteracted by inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. However, the inbreeding risk and inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in endangered species are less studied. The giant panda, a solitary and threatened species, lives in many small populations and suffers from habitat fragmentation, which may aggravate the risk of inbreeding. Here, we performed long-term observations of reproductive behaviour, sampling of mother-cub pairs and large-scale genetic analyses on wild giant pandas. Moderate levels of inbreeding were found in 21.1% of mating pairs, 9.1% of parent pairs and 7.7% of panda cubs, but no high-level inbreeding occurred. More significant levels of inbreeding may be avoided passively by female-biased natal dispersal rather than by breeding dispersal or active relatedness-based mate choice mechanisms. The level of inbreeding in giant pandas is greater than expected for a solitary mammal and thus warrants concern for potential inbreeding depression, particularly in small populations isolated by continuing habitat fragmentation, which will reduce female dispersal and increase the risk of inbreeding.

Genetic diversity of reintroduced American martens in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula

Reintroductions are an important conservation and management technique used to restore extirpated populations. Negative genetic consequences (e.g., diversity loss, bottlenecks, inbreeding) are often an unintentional result of reintroductions, due to a small number of founders or suboptimal habitat at release sites. American martens (Martes americana) were extirpated from Michigan's Lower Peninsula in 1911 due to habitat loss and unregulated trapping. Martens were reintroduced into 2 areas of the Lower Peninsula in 1985–1986. The Lower Peninsula reintroduction was characterized by a relatively small number of founders (85 individuals) released into 2 geographically disparate, fragmented sites. We genotyped martens sampled at the 2 release sites approximately 20–25 years since reintroduction, using 11 microsatellite loci. We detected low average allelic richness (3.92 alleles per locus), moderate levels of inbreeding (mean FIS = 0.106), and multiple loci with significant heterozygote deficiencies. Effective population size estimates were small, ranging between 6 and 27 individuals depending on the estimator and the sample group. We also detected significant population structuring between the release sites (FST = 0.093 using the most recent sample). With small population size and limited to no gene flow, we predict the 2 Lower Peninsula marten populations will continue to diverge and potentially further lose genetic diversity. This study highlights the importance of long-term genetic monitoring of reintroduced populations.

Genetic variability of the short-haired and rough-haired Segugio Italiano dog breeds and their genetic distance from the other related Segugio breeds

The short-haired Segugio Italiano and rough-haired Segugio Italiano are two breeds of Italian scenthound. The two breeds were subjected to divergent selection based on the type (long versus short) and pigmentation (fawn versus black & tan) of the hair, leading to the development of the two above-mentioned phenotypes. Microsatellites markers from 120 unrelated dogs were used to estimate the genetic variability within the two Segugio Italiano breeds and to assess if divergent selection for the two phenotypes has possibly led to the development of subpopulations distinguished by coat type and pigmentation. Finally, we also estimated the genetic distance between the two Segugio Italiano breeds and two other related breeds, Segugio Maremmano and Segugio dell'Appennino. The mean Fis, Fit and Fst values indicated a moderate level of inbreeding. In both breeds the mean observed heterozygosity was lower than the expected heterozygosity. The AMOVA, PCoA and STRUCTURE analyses showed lack of differentiation between the two breeds and the absence of substructuring in the population. Cavalli-Sforza chord distance, Nei's genetic distance and Reynolds–Weir Cockerham’s genetic distance between the two Segugio Italiano breeds were low. Low genetic distances were also found between the Segugio Italiano and the others two related breeds indicating that there is no difference in terms of genetic distance among the three breeds despite the important phenotypic differences among them. This paper provides a basis to change the breeding guidelines of the four breeds in the light of these informations.

Microsatellite based genetic diversity estimation in Sikkim Singharey goat population

Singharey goats of Sikkim is a lesser known population of goat. The study was undertaken to know the genetic diversity occurring in these goats. Alleles (182) were observed across the microsatellite loci. The average observed and effective numbers of alleles were 7.913 ± 0.576 and 3.496 ± 0.328, respectively. A polymorphic information content (PIC) value varied from 0.311 to 0.945 with an overall mean of 0.661 ± 0.036. Mean observed (HO) and expected (He) heterozygosities were 0.507 ± 0.042 and 0.649 ± 0.034, respectively. The inbreeding estimate (FIS) was 0.225 ± 0.046 indicated moderate level of inbreeding. The population was stable with respect to size and was non- bottlenecked. The observed normal L-shaped curve indicated no mode shift in the population.