Analysis of microsatellite polymorphism in red deer, roe deer, and fallow deer - possible employment in forensic applications

DNA microsatellites play a major role in population genetics, linkage mappi ng, and parentage studies of mammals. In addition, they may be used for for ensic purposes, if an individual identification of a specific animal is nec essary. Therefore. we tested a variety of microsatellite polymorphism deriv ed from reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) by PCR and sequencing analysis for use in red deer (Cervus elaphus). roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow de er (Dama dama). Twelve of these microsatellites were selected for further a nalysis. In all these microsatellite polymorphism short tandem repeats coul d be detected for one or all three species as shown by sequencing analysis. In red deer. more than two alleles were found in eight microsatellites, in roe deer more than two alleles could be demonstrated in seven microsatelli tes. whereas in fallow deer more than two alleles were found in only two mi crosatellite polymorphism. A comparison of sequences of PCR products from t he three deer species with the sequences of reindeer revealed several diffe rences between the four species. In six microsatellites - selected because or their reliability in PCR and because of their polymorphic character - we established a sequenced allelic ladder and give population data of all thr ee species from 82 deer of the Northeast region of Germany (Vorpommern). Ou r results show the possibility to use microsatellite polymorphism in the id entification of deer in forensic applications like poaching. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.