scholarly journals Retriever and Pointer: Software to Evaluate Inbreeding and Genetic Management in Captive Populations

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1332
Author(s):  
Jack J. Windig ◽  
Ina Hulsegge
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Allelic Diversity ◽  
Captive Population ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Population Structures ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Well Data

The Retriever and Pointer software has been developed for genetic management of (small) captive populations The Retriever program uses as input pedigree data and extracts data on population structure that determine inbreeding rates such as skewness of sire contributions. Levels and rates of inbreeding and kinship and effective population sizes are determined as well. Data on population structure can be used as input for the Pointer program. This program uses stochastic simulation to evaluate a population and provides expected levels and rates of inbreeding and kinship, and optionally allelic diversity. The user can simulate different options for genetic management such as sire restrictions, restrictions on inbreeding levels, mean kinships and breeding circles. Both Retriever and Pointer can analyze populations with subpopulations and different rates of exchange between them. Although originally devised for dogs, the software can be, and has been, used for any captive population including livestock and zoo populations, and a number of examples are provided. The pointer software is also suitable in education where students may generate their own populations and evaluate effects of different population structures and genetic management on genetic diversity. Input is provided via a graphical user interface. The software can be downloaded for free.

scholarly journals Why panmictic bacteria are rare

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Yang ◽  
Yujun Cui ◽  
Xavier Didelot ◽  
Ruifu Yang ◽  
Daniel Falush
Keyword(s):  
Nucleotide Diversity ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Structured Populations ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Recombination Rates ◽  
Continuous Increase ◽  
Population Structures ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Current Value ◽  
Neutral Models

AbstractBackgroundBacteria typically have more structured populations than higher eukaryotes, but this difference is surprising given high recombination rates, enormous population sizes and effective geographical dispersal in many bacterial species.ResultsWe estimated the recombination scaled effective population size Ner in 21 bacterial species and find that it does not correlate with synonymous nucleotide diversity as would be expected under neutral models of evolution. Only two species have estimates substantially over 100, consistent with approximate panmixia, namely Helicobacter pylori and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Both species are far from demographic equilibrium, with diversity predicted to increase more than 30 fold in V. parahaemolyticus if the current value of Ner were maintained, to values much higher than found in any species. We propose that panmixia is unstable in bacteria, and that persistent environmental species are likely to evolve barriers to genetic exchange, which act to prevent a continuous increase in diversity by enhancing genetic drift.ConclusionsOur results highlight the dynamic nature of bacterial population structures and imply that overall diversity levels found within a species are poor indicators of its size.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Romosinuano cattle population structure in Mexico using pedigree analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-59
Author(s):  
Rafael Núñez-Domínguez ◽  
Ricardo E Martínez-Rocha ◽  
Jorge A Hidalgo-Moreno ◽  
Rodolfo Ramírez-Valverde ◽  
José G García-Muñiz
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Effective Population Size ◽  
Genetic Drift ◽  
Pedigree Analysis ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Generation Interval

Background: Romosinuano cattle breed in Mexico has endured isolation and it is necessary to characterize it in order to facilitate sustainable genetic management. Objective: To assess the evolution of the structure and genetic diversity of the Romosinuano breed in Mexico, through pedigree analysis. Methods: Pedigree data was obtained from Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Ganado Romosinuano y Lechero Tropical (AMCROLET). The ENDOG program (4.8 version) was used to analyze two datasets, one that includes upgrading from F1 animals (UP) and the other with only straight-bred cattle (SP). For both datasets, three reference populations were defined: 1998-2003 (RP1), 2004-2009 (RP2), and 2010-2017 (RP3). The pedigree included 3,432 animals in UP and 1,518 in SP. Demographic parameters were: Generation interval (GI), equivalent number of generations (EG), pedigree completeness index (PCI), and gene flow among herds. Genetic parameters were: Inbreeding (F) and average relatedness (AR) coefficients, effective population size (Nec), effective number of founders and ancestors, and number of founder genome equivalents. Results: The GI varied from 6.10 to 6.54 for UP, and from 6.47 to 7.16 yr for SP. The EG of the UP and SP improved >63% from RP1 to RP3. The PCI increased over time. No nucleus or isolated herds were found. For RP3, F and AR reached 2.08 and 5.12% in the UP, and 2.55 and 5.94% in the SP. For RP3, Nec was 57 in the UP and 45 in the SP. Genetic diversity losses were attributed mainly (>66%) to genetic drift, except for RP3 in the SP (44%). Conclusions: A reduction of the genetic diversity has been occurring after the Romosinuano breed association was established in Mexico, and this is mainly due to random loss of genes.Keywords: effective population size; gene flow; genetic diversity; genetic drift; generation interval; inbreeding; pedigree; population structure; probability of gene origin; Romosinuano cattle. Resumen Antecedentes: La raza bovina Romosinuano ha estado prácticamente aislada en México y requiere ser caracterizada para un manejo genético sostenible. Objetivo: Evaluar la evolución de la estructura y diversidad genética de la raza Romosinuano en México, mediante el análisis del pedigrí. Métodos: Los datos genealógicos provinieron de la Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Ganado Romosinuano y Lechero Tropical (AMCROLET). Los análisis se realizaron con el programa ENDOG (versión 4.8) para dos bases de datos, una que incluyó animales en cruzamiento absorbente (UP) a partir de F1 y la otra con sólo animales puros (SP). Para ambas bases de datos se definieron tres poblaciones de referencia: 1998-2003 (RP1), 2004- 2009 (RP2), y 2010-2017 (RP3). El pedigrí incluyó 3.432 animales en la UP y 1.518 en la SP. Los parámetros demográficos fueron: intervalo generacional (GI), número de generaciones equivalentes (EG), índice de completitud del pedigrí (PCI), y flujo de genes entre hatos. Los parámetros genéticos fueron: coeficientes de consanguinidad (F) y de relación genética aditiva (AR), tamaño efectivo de la población (Nec), número efectivo de fundadores y ancestros, y número equivalente de genomas fundadores. Resultados: El GI varió de 6,10 a 6,54 para la UP, y de 6,47 a 7,16 años para la SP. El EG de la UP y la SP mejoró >63%, de RP1 a RP3. El PCI aumentó a través de los años, pero más para la SP que para la UP. No se encontraron hatos núcleo o aislados. Para RP3, F y AR alcanzaron 2,08 y 5,12% en la UP, y 2,55 y 5,94% en la SP. Para RP3, Nec fue 57 en la UP y 45 en la SP. Más de 66% de las pérdidas en diversidad genética se debieron a deriva genética, excepto para RP3 en la UP (44%). Conclusiones: una reducción de la diversidad genética ha estado ocurriendo después de que se formó la asociación de criadores de ganado Romosinuano en México, y es debida principalmente a pérdidas aleatorias de genes.Palabras clave: consanguinidad; deriva genética; diversidad genética; estructura poblacional; flujo de genes; ganado Romosinuano; intervalo generacional; pedigrí; probabilidad de origen del gen; tamaño efectivo de población. Resumo Antecedentes: A raça bovina Romosinuano tem estado praticamente isolada no México e precisa ser caracterizada para um manejo genético sustentável. Objetivo: Avaliar a evolução da estrutura e diversidade genética da raça Romosinuano no México, através da análise de pedigree. Métodos: Os dados genealógicos vieram da Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Ganado Romosinuano y Lechero Tropical (AMCROLET). As análises foram feitas com o programa ENDOG (versão 4.8) para duas bases de dados, uma que incluiu animais em cruzamento absorvente (UP) a partir da F1 e a outra base de dados somente com animais puros (SP). Para ambas bases de dados foram definidas três populações de referência: 1998-2003 (RP1), 2004-2009 (RP2) e 2010-2017 (RP3). O pedigree incluiu 3.432 animais na UP e 1.518 na SP. Os parâmetros demográficos foram: intervalo entre gerações (GI), número de gerações equivalentes (EG), índice de completude do pedigree (PCI), e fluxo de genes entre rebanhos. Os parâmetros genéticos foram: coeficiente de consanguinidade (F) e da relação genética aditiva (AR), tamanho efetivo da população (Nec), número efetivo de fundadores e ancestrais, e número equivalente de genomas fundadores. Resultados: O GI variou de 6,10 a 6,54 para a UP, e de 6,47 a 7,16 anos para a SP. EG da UP e a SP melhorou >63%, de RP1 a RP3. O PCI aumentou ao longo dos anos, mas mais para a SP do que para o UP. Não se encontraram rebanhos núcleo ou isolados. Para RP3, F e AR alcançaram 2,08 e 5,12% na UP, e 2,55 e 5,94% na SP. Para RP3, Nec foi 57 na UP e 45 na SP. Mais de 66% das perdas em diversidade genética foram ocasionadas pela deriva genética, exceto para RP3 no UP (44%). Conclusões: Depois que a associação da raça Romosinuano foi estabelecida no México, tem ocorrido uma redução da diversidade genética, principalmente devido a perdas aleatórias de genes.Palavras-chave: consanguinidade; deriva genética; diversidade genética, estrutura populacional; fluxo de genes; intervalo entre gerações; pedigree; probabilidade de origem do gene; Romosinuano; tamanho efetivo da população.

scholarly journals More reliable estimates of divergence times in Pan using complete mtDNA sequences and accounting for population structure

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1556) ◽  
pp. 3277-3288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Stone ◽  
Fabia U. Battistuzzi ◽  
Laura S. Kubatko ◽  
George H. Perry ◽  
Evan Trudeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Demographic History ◽  
Time Estimation ◽  
Divergence Times ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Founding Population ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Population Structures ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mtdna Diversity

Here, we report the sequencing and analysis of eight complete mitochondrial genomes of chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ) from each of the three established subspecies ( P. t. troglodytes , P. t. schweinfurthii and P. t. verus ) and the proposed fourth subspecies ( P. t. ellioti ). Our population genetic analyses are consistent with neutral patterns of evolution that have been shaped by demography. The high levels of mtDNA diversity in western chimpanzees are unlike those seen at nuclear loci, which may reflect a demographic history of greater female to male effective population sizes possibly owing to the characteristics of the founding population. By using relaxed-clock methods, we have inferred a timetree of chimpanzee species and subspecies. The absolute divergence times vary based on the methods and calibration used, but relative divergence times show extensive uniformity. Overall, mtDNA produces consistently older times than those known from nuclear markers, a discrepancy that is reduced significantly by explicitly accounting for chimpanzee population structures in time estimation. Assuming the human–chimpanzee split to be between 7 and 5 Ma, chimpanzee time estimates are 2.1–1.5, 1.1–0.76 and 0.25–0.18 Ma for the chimpanzee/bonobo, western/(eastern + central) and eastern/central chimpanzee divergences, respectively.

scholarly journals Genetic diversity, viability and conservation value of the global captive population of the Moroccan Royal lions

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0258714
Author(s):  
Kristina Lehocká ◽  
Simon A. Black ◽  
Adrian Harland ◽  
Ondrej Kadlečík ◽  
Radovan Kasarda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Effective Population Size ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Reference Population ◽  
Captive Population ◽  
Effective Number ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Loss Of Diversity

This study evaluates the diversity of the so-called ‘Moroccan Royal lions’ using genealogical information. Lions are no longer extant in North Africa, but the previous wild population was an important element of the now-recognised northern subspecies (Panthera leo leo) that ranged across West Africa, North Africa and the Middle East into India. The remaining captive population of ‘Moroccan Royal lions’ seems to be significantly endangered by the loss of diversity due to the effective population size decrease. The pedigree file of this captive lion population consisted of 454 individuals, while the reference population included 98 animals (47 males and 51 females). The completeness of the pedigree data significantly decreased with an increasing number of generations. The highest percentage of pedigree completeness (over 70%) was achieved in the first generation of the reference population. Pedigree-based parameters derived from the common ancestor and gene origin were used to estimate the state of diversity. In the reference population, the average inbreeding coefficient was 2.14%, while the individual increase in inbreeding over generations was 2.31%. Overall, the reference population showed lower average inbreeding and average relatedness compared with the pedigree file. The number of founders (47), the effective number of founders (24) and the effective number of ancestors (22) were estimated in the reference population. The effective population size of 14.02 individuals confirms the critically endangered status of the population and rapid loss of diversity in the future. Thus, continuous monitoring of the genetic diversity of the ‘Moroccan Royal lion’ group is required, especially for long-term conservation management purposes, as it would be an important captive group should further DNA studies establish an affinity to P. leo leo.

scholarly journals Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Zeugodacus Tau Walker (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Southern Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingyoh ZAELOR ◽  
Duangta JULSIRIKUL ◽  
Sangvorn KITTHAWEE
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Haplotype Network ◽  
Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism ◽  
Fruit Flies ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Bottleneck Effect ◽  
Southern Thailand ◽  
Population Sizes

The population structure of a fruit fly, Zeugodacus tau, was studied by a Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) technique. Twenty haplotypes of Cytochrome Oxidase unit I (COI) sequence were found in flies collected from Southern Thailand. The phylogenetic tree and haplotype network revealed gene flow across a large geographic range. With the aid of winds, their gene flow diminished population structure. The population size of Z. tau in Southern Thailand seemed to be large and stable, but the other populations in some locations had experienced a bottleneck effect, leading to local genetic differentiation. Fruit flies from the eastern areas had large effective population sizes, whereas the populations from other areas were smaller. This pattern matched the ecological niche centroid model, in which fruit flies disperse from high population areas to lower ones.

scholarly journals Analysis of the population structure of a cattle conservation nucleus Curraleiro Pé Duro

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 231-238
Author(s):  
N.L. Ribeiro ◽  
G.R. Medeiros ◽  
G.V. Nascimento ◽  
J.K.G. Arandas ◽  
M.N. Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Inbreeding Coefficient ◽  
Pedigree Information ◽  
Third Generation ◽  
Effective Number ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
The Third ◽  
Genealogical Information

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to study the population structure of the Cattle Conservation Nucleos Curraleiro Pé Duro of the Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (NCP_INSA) based on pedigree data. Genealogical information from 338 animals registered in the period from 1991 to 2019 was used. The number of founding animals (Nf), the effective number of founders (fe), effective number of ancestors (fa), inbreeding coefficient (F), and average relatedness coefficient (AR), in addition to Fis, Fit and Fst were estimated. It was possible to identify ancestors up to the third generation, with an increase in information over the generations. Of the total pedigree information evaluated, 90.53% had the identification of the father and mother. The effective size of the population was smaller than those proposed by FAO, suggesting the need to redefine the herd management and genetic management plan strategies, promoting gene flow and breed expansion.

scholarly journals Conservation aspects of natural populations and captive-bred stocks of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and Dover sole (Solea solea) using estimates of genetic diversity

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1173-1181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasios Exadactylos ◽  
Mark J. Rigby ◽  
Audrey J. Geffen ◽  
John P. Thorpe
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Genetic Data ◽  
Scophthalmus Maximus ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Solea Solea ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Turbot Scophthalmus Maximus ◽  
Dover Sole

Exadactylos, A., Rigby, M. J., Geffen, A. J., and Thorpe, J. P. 2007. Conservation aspects of natural populations and captive-bred stocks of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and Dover sole (Solea solea) using estimates of genetic diversity. – ICES Journal of marine Science, 64: 1173–1181. Population genetic analyses have been highly successful in predicting inter- and intraspecific evolutionary relationships, levels of gene flow, genetic divergence, and effective population sizes. Parameters estimated are evolutionary averages and are therefore relevant for addressing contemporary ecological or conservation issues. Changes in genetic variation within the range of a species may indicate patterns of population structure resulting from past ecological and demographic events that are otherwise difficult to infer, so may provide an insight into evolutionary development. Genetic data, drawn from 14 enzyme loci amplified from two populations of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and five populations of Dover sole (Solea solea) from the Irish Sea were used to examine population structure estimated from measures of genetic diversity. The aim was to provide an empirical assessment of whether artificial propagation poses a genetic threat to conservation of naturally spawning populations, and whether the fitness for natural spawning and rearing can be rapidly and substantially reduced or increased by artificial propagation. Because of prolonged overfishing, turbot and sole populations in the region are below natural levels, and survive in small local populations in fragmented habitats. Genetic data derived from allozymes have shown that populations are characterized by relatively low levels of genetic diversity. A hypothetical model supporting genetic population substructure, such as range expansion with founder-flush effects, and subsequent population decline with small effective population sizes was considered. Observations support our belief that conservation measures based on genetic diversity have to be developed to ensure the survival of this diverse gene pool.

scholarly journals Effective population sizes and adaptive genetic variation in a captive bird population

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giridhar Athrey ◽  
Nikolas Faust ◽  
Anne-Sophie Charlotte Hieke ◽  
I. Lehr Brisbin
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Demographic History ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variation ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
B Locus ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Chain Of Custody ◽  
Population Sizes

Captive populations are considered a key component of ex situ conservation programs. Research on multiple taxa has shown the differential success of maintaining demographic versus genetic stability and viability in captive populations. In typical captive populations, usually founded by few or related individuals, genetic diversity can be lost and inbreeding can accumulate rapidly, calling into question their ultimate utility for release into the wild. Furthermore, domestication selection for survival in captive conditions is another concern. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of population sizes, particularly the effective population size, and genetic diversity at non-neutral and adaptive loci in captive populations. In this study, we assessed effective population sizes and genetic variation at both neutral microsatellite markers, as well as SNP variants from the MHC-B locus of a captive Red Junglefowl population. This population represents a rare instance of a population with a well-documented history in captivity, following a realistic scenario of chain-of-custody, unlike many captive lab populations. Our analyses, which included 27 individuals comprising the entirety of one captive population show very low neutral and adaptive genetic variation, as well as low effective sizes, which correspond with the known demographic history. Finally, our study also shows the divergent impacts of small effective size and inbreeding in captive populations on microsatellite versus adaptive genetic variation in the MHC-B locus. Our study provides insights into the difficulties of maintaining adaptive genetic variation in small captive populations.

scholarly journals Effective population sizes and adaptive genetic variation in a captive bird population

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giridhar Athrey ◽  
Nikolas Faust ◽  
Anne-Sophie Charlotte Hieke ◽  
I. Lehr Brisbin
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Demographic History ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Adaptive Genetic Variation ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
B Locus ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Chain Of Custody ◽  
Population Sizes

AbstractCaptive populations are considered a key component of ex situ conservation programs. Research on multiple taxa have shown the differential success of maintaining demographic versus genetic stability and viability in captive populations. In typical captive populations, usually founded by few or related individuals, genetic diversity can be lost and inbreeding can accumulate rapidly, calling into question their ultimate utility for release into the wild. Furthermore, domestication selection for survival in captive conditions is another concern. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of population sizes, particularly the effective population size, and genetic diversity at non-neutral, at adaptive loci in captive populations.In this study, we assessed effective population sizes and genetic variation at both neutral microsatellite markers, as well as SNP variants from the MHC-B locus of a captive Red Junglefowl population. This population is represents a rare instance of a population with a well-documented history in captivity, following a realistic scenario of chain-of-custody, unlike captive lab populations. Our analysis, which included 27 individuals comprising the entirety of one captive population show very low neutral and adaptive genetic variation, as well as low effective sizes, which are surprising in spite of the known demographic history. Finally, our study also shows the divergent impacts of small effective size and inbreeding in captive populations on microsatellite versus adaptive genetic variation in the MHC-B locus. Our study provides insights into the difficulties of maintaining adaptive genetic variation in small captive populations.

scholarly journals History of registered Gyr breed in Brazilian Northeast: population structure and genetic improvement of growth traits

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1385-1391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Henrique Mendes Malhado ◽  
Paulo Luiz Souza Carneiro ◽  
Ana Claudia Mendes Malhado ◽  
Jorge André Matias Martins ◽  
Raimundo Martins Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Effective Population Size ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Cattle Breed ◽  
Population Expansion ◽  
Phenotypic Change ◽  
Northeast Brazil ◽  
Pedigree Data ◽  
Effective Population

This paper provides an evaluation of the population structure, phenotype and genetic trends of registered Gyr herd cattle in northeast Brazil. The study provides important baseline information for the management, conservation and potential population expansion of this economically and culturally important cattle breed. Pedigree data were analyzed for individuals born between 1964 and 2006. Body weight values were adjusted to 205 and 365 days of age for animals born between 1978 and 2006. Phenotypic change of zebu Gyr in northeast Brazil is solely due to environmental improvement. However, there is potential for artificial selection for weight gain in young cattle. Effective population size decreased during the 1990s and the average inbreeding coefficient increased during the studied period. An increase of the effective population size of Gyr in northeast Brazil is strongly recommended, along with an increase in the management of the mating process to prevent inbreeding and to maintain the genetic variability of the breed.

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