Biochemical Variation and Genetic Heterogeneity in South Carolina Deer Populations

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Abstract
Protein variation in 218 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina [USA] was examined by starch gel electrophoresis. Polymorphism occurred for 7 of 21 structural loci coding for 20 protein systems and for a gene duplication of .alpha.-chain Hb. Segregating alleles were detected for esterase, transferrin, phosphoglucomutase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, malate dehydrogenase, and .beta.-chain Hb. Swamp and upland subpopulations were recognized from 6 yr of data from controlled hunts. The swamp herd had higher but declining density, older age structure, 35% lower fertility among female fawns, and 13% greater mortality of male fawns at the time genetic data were collected. Esterase and Hb loci showed significant differences in genotypic proportions between herds, sexes and age classes. Associated demographic and genetic differences suggest applications of electrophoretic data to management practices by identifying subpopulations, assessing migration and detecting selection.