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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.07.13.738275

An updated assessment of the genomic health of Odocoileus

Cars, B.·Shafer, A.
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Abstract

Genomic health estimates help inform conservation and management decisions, with genetic load and runs-of-homozygosity (ROH) being two key metrics. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (O. hemionus) are found throughout North America, with some populations declining or of conversation concern. Using genome-wide data from samples across their range, we provide the first estimate of genetic load in mule deer, and revisit ROH estimates using model-based approaches. These updated estimates of ROH notably showed elevated inbreeding in the Key deer, consistent with current conservation designations. We also detected a relatively high number loss-of function mutations in mule deer that we attributed to historical bottlenecks. We also observed an increased overall genetic load in O. hemionus from the Pacific Northwest.

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Cars, B., Shafer, A.. 2026-07-19. An updated assessment of the genomic health of Odocoileus. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.13.738275

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