Current Situation and Utilization of Velvet Deer Germplasm Resources in China

Abstract

Velvet deer are not only a representative special economic animal but also an important part of livestock. With the increasing awareness of international competition for germplasm resources in China, more and more attention has been paid to the protection and utilization of germplasm resources. However, there is poor understanding about velvet deer resources. Therefore, we are providing a comprehensive introduction of Chinese velvet deer germplasm resources from the aspects of ecological distribution, domestication and breeding.

Comparative Genomics Reveal Phylogenetic Relationship and Chromosomal Evolutionary Events of Eight Cervidae Species

“…The significant contraction of olfactory receptors in eight Cervidae species may be attributed to the habitat destruction and habitat fragmentation as well as increasing domestication that led to stable and single living environments [66,67]. Additionally, artificial interference in their search for mates and foraging may also contribute to the loss of olfactory receptor genes [68,69]. The adaptation of Cervidae to the changed environment results in the contraction of olfactory receptors.…”

“…Comparative genomics studies of terrestrial and whole-aquatic mammals have found that the number of keratin gene families in animals living in different environments changes in order to adapt to the environment [75]. Sika deer are primarily distributed in the cold environment of northeastern China [68]. The significant expansion of this gene family may be associated with the evolutionary adaptation to the cold environment.…”