Studying the Genetic Diversity of the Taimyr Population of the Nenets Reindeer Breed

Abstract

For the first time, the genetic diversity of farm populations of domesticated Nenets reindeer bred in Taimyr has been studied to form their DNA bank. A comparative analysis of the genetic characteristics of the Nenets reindeer populations bred in other regions (Nenets and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, the Murmansk Region, and the Komi Republic) has been performed using DNA markers. The genetic diversity markers - microsatellites have been used as DNA markers in the study. As a result of the research, it has been revealed that this group of domesticated reindeer has a low level of genetic polymorphism and diversity. A comparative analysis of this population with the regional ones from the Nenets and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, the Murmansk Region, and the Komi Republic has revealed genetic ties with reindeer bred in the Komi Republic and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. A low level of both allelic and genetic diversity may further negatively affect the animals’ adaptation to environmental conditions.