Fallow Genome Project

[Buchan]

A PhD student at UCLan (Preston) is looking at the fallow genome - see below. Do help if you can.

My name is Rebecca Barnard, I am a PhD student at the University of Central Lancashire.

I am currently studying a PhD in forensic wildlife genetics. Thesis titled - FlowPlex: An STR Multiplex for The Identification of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Individuals. On average, 55,000 deer are illegally killed in the UK each year. This project aims to provide a tool which can help tackle this problem. This project will also be undertaking a haplotyping study to establish the genetic diversity of the British fallow deer population.

This research is a continuation of a project which was started in 2014. So far, we have collected 260 samples of fallow deer (blood and muscle) from various locations across the UK, including Richmond Park in London, Dunham Massey in Manchester and Knole park in Kent.

Recently, we sequenced the whole genome of the fallow deer, and we are now in possession of the data. In order to progress my research to the next stage, I require further blood/muscle samples from fallow deer, male or female. The cull season poses an ideal time for the collection of samples. A total of 500 fallow samples would be ideal to complete the research.


If this is something you would be interested in helping out with, I would be very grateful to hear back from you: rbarnard@uclan.ac.uk

 

[John Gryphon]

On average, 55,000 deer are illegally killed in the UK each year.

I smell a rodent.

 

[VSS]

I would be happy to help with this. I'd also welcome any info coming out of the project in respect of coat colour genetics in fallow.

 

[VSS]

I smell a rodent.

Why do you say that?

 

[Buchan]

I have BDS quoting 50k in an article in 2008

 

[John Gryphon]

Why do you say that?

its in the quoted line Tim.

 

[VSS]

its in the quoted line Tim.

Are you saying that you think 55,000 is an underestimate or an overestimate or just a blatant fabrication?

 

[John Gryphon]

Are you saying that you think 55,000 is an underestimate or an overestimate or just a blatant fabrication?

I smell a rodent when someone doing a PHD comes out with 'illegally'. Studying the legal and illegal is the same thing isn't it? Why introduce the word 'illegal' is that a subtle hint towards the persons ideals?
Just my opinion, thats all.

 

[Donkey Basher]

@Buchan

Would be helpful if there was some indication of the process involved for sampling & collection - season obviously about to open for bucks so could potentially provide some samples but need to know what's involved before committing.

 

[Bandit Country]

I smell a rodent when someone doing a PHD comes out with 'illegally'. Studying the legal and illegal is the same thing isn't it? Why introduce the word 'illegal' is that a subtle hint towards the persons ideals?
Just my opinion, thats all.

A quick Google search reveals that DNA analysis is being used to combat wildlife crime. IIRC a prosecution happened (in Scotland?) a couple of years ago based on DNA samples from a poached Red deer? I imagine Rebecca isn't studying what is or isn't legal - rather she's investigating the Fallow Deer genome? As she says, the aim is to provide a tool to help combat deer poaching. If she, coincidentally, is against 'illegal' deer culling then good for her! It would be nice to think that at least a simple majority of SD site members would agree - no?

@Buchan

Would be helpful if there was some indication of the process involved for sampling & collection - season obviously about to open for bucks so could potentially provide some samples but need to know what's involved before committing.

If it's anything like the other six sampling projects I've been involved with, it will be very easy to do and should involve no cost to the stalker. I'll let you know as soon as I have the details.

 

[John Gryphon]

- no?

no

 

[Mungo]

I would be happy to help with this. I'd also welcome any info coming out of the project in respect of coat colour genetics in fallow.

This is quite well known, I believe.

What do you need to know? There are people in my department who have worked on it.

 

[User00040]

Are you saying that you think 55,000 is an underestimate or an overestimate or just a blatant fabrication?

The more the merrier

 

[Cyres]

I am interested to know where the 55k illegally killed deer figure comes from. Is it a hard number or an theoretical number ? Can anybody locate the reference. Itd a big no of deer going into the food chain! You would assume its going to be predominantly reds and fallow.
D

 

[Buchan]

@Buchan

Would be helpful if there was some indication of the process involved for sampling & collection - season obviously about to open for bucks so could potentially provide some samples but need to know what's involved before committing.

Blood at gralloch is best, but can be tissue sample. All tubes provided

 

[Donkey Basher]

Blood at gralloch is best, but can be tissue sample. All tubes provided

Thanks - I’ll ping her an email. Cheers.

 

[Bandit Country]

no

So you're view is that the majority of SD members are supportive of deer poaching? You really should start a poll to see if that's true.

 

[Bandit Country]

Thanks - I’ll ping her an email. Cheers.

As per Buchan's post.

Had a natter with her today. Very simple and straightforward. If you're already collecting for the APHA Coronavirus in Mammals study it will just be another test tube to fill.

 

[John Gryphon]

So you're view is that the majority of SD members are supportive of deer poaching?

Dont be a turtle mate.

 

[StephenToast]

I smell a rodent.

It's probably just a poor wording.

Anyway I'm not sure the samples would be any good sent all the way from Australia so she's probably not too worried what you think, or whether it will effect your participation.