Low biochemical variability in european fallow deer (Dama dama L.): Natural bottlenecks and the effects of domestication

Abstract

Tissue and blood samples from 180 fallow deer (Dama dama L.) belonging to an Italian free-ranging population were studied for biochemical variability by means of cellulose acetate and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 51 putative genetic loci successfully resolved showed a very low level of variability (P = 0·020, H =0·006) in accordance with previously reported data on British and West German populations. That low biochemical polymorphism in European fallow deer populations is discussed taking into account the effects of natural bottlenecks and of domestication. © 1988, The Genetical Society of Great Britain.