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 mapping, and parentage studies of mammals. In addition, they may be used for forensic purposes, if an individual identification of a specific animal is necessary. Therefore, we tested a variety of microsatellite polymorphism derived from reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) by PCR and sequencing analysis for use in red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama). Twelve of these microsatellites were selected for further analysis. In all these microsatellite polymorphism short tandem repeats could 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 microsatellites, whereas in fallow deer more than two alleles were found in only two microsatellite polymorphism. A comparison of sequences of PCR products from the three deer species with the sequences of reindeer revealed several differences 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 three species from 82 deer of the Northeast region of Germany (Vorpommern). Our results show the possibility to use microsatellite polymorphism in the identification of deer in forensic applications like poaching.

[Individual identification of fallow deer using microsatellite polymorphism in a case of poaching]]. / Individualisierung von Damwild mit Hilfe von Mikrosatellitenpolymorphismen in einem Fall von Wilderei.

The paper reports on molecular biological investigations in a case of poaching which resulted in considerable damage for property. Blood traces from poaching sites have been analysed and compared with blood from two knives and a pair of trousers of the suspects. In two of three poaching sites, genomic DNA could be amplified by PCR and assigned to fallow deer. The authors could demonstrate identical allelic combinations between one of the poaching sites and a part of the traces. Problems of the legal appreciation in this case are described.

Comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect fluorescent antibody test, and direct agglutination test for detecting Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in naturally aborted ovine fetuses.

Results obtained in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA), and a modified direct agglutination test (MAT) for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies from examination of fetal fluids from 377 aborted ovine fetuses were compared. Sixty-seven samples were positive by MAT (titers 1:16 to greater than 1:65,536), 58 were positive by ELISA, and 62 were positive by immunoglobulin G-IFA. The MAT was preferred because it required less time, labor, and special equipment. It was simple to run, could be done on serum from any species without modification, and it was more effective than the IFA for detecting toxoplasma antibodies in severely autolyzed fetuses. No advantage was found in determining immunoglobulin M antibodies in ovine fetal sera.

Body water content and turnover in cats fed dry and canned rations.

Body water content and total body water turnover in cats fed commercially available dry food and then given canned rations were determined with tritiated water. Cats during the feeding of either ration did not differ in body water content or turnover. Cats during the feeding of the dry ration derived a greater fraction of their total water turnover from drinking water, and these cats drank more water per gram of dry matter intake than when fed the canned ration. On the basis of total water intake, however, those given the canned ration had significantly greater water intake per gram of dry matter; also, their total water turnover per gram of dry matter was greater. Compared with other animals, cats have a similar ratio of body water to body solids, but the rate of water turnover per unit of body weight is slower.