Scientific Reports (Nov 2023)

Comparative genomics and genome-wide SNPs of endangered Eld’s deer provide breeder selection for inbreeding avoidance

  • Vichayanee Pumpitakkul,
  • Wanna Chetruengchai,
  • Chalurmpon Srichomthong,
  • Chureerat Phokaew,
  • Wirulda Pootakham,
  • Chutima Sonthirod,
  • Wanapinun Nawae,
  • Sissades Tongsima,
  • Pongsakorn Wangkumhang,
  • Alisa Wilantho,
  • Yongchai Utara,
  • Ampika Thongpakdee,
  • Saowaphang Sanannu,
  • Umaporn Maikaew,
  • Suphattharaphonnaphan Khuntawee,
  • Wirongrong Changpetch,
  • Phairot Phromwat,
  • Kacharin Raschasin,
  • Phunyaphat Sarnkhaeveerakul,
  • Pannawat Supapannachart,
  • Wannapol Buthasane,
  • Budhan S. Pukazhenthi,
  • Klaus-Peter Koepfli,
  • Prapat Suriyaphol,
  • Sithichoke Tangphatsornruang,
  • Gunnaporn Suriyaphol,
  • Vorasuk Shotelersuk

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47014-x
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 17

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Eld’s deer, a conserved wildlife species of Thailand, is facing inbreeding depression, particularly in the captive Siamese Eld’s deer (SED) subspecies. In this study, we constructed genomes of a male SED and a male Burmese Eld’s deer (BED), and used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to evaluate the genetic purity and the inbreeding status of 35 SED and 49 BED with limited pedigree information. The results show that these subspecies diverged approximately 1.26 million years ago. All SED were found to be purebred. A low proportion of admixed SED genetic material was observed in some BED individuals. Six potential breeders from male SED with no genetic relation to any female SED and three purebred male BED with no relation to more than 10 purebred female BED were identified. This study provides valuable insights about Eld’s deer populations and appropriate breeder selection in efforts to repopulate this endangered species while avoiding inbreeding.