What genetic challenge did the SCPS study reveal within the core preservation group of Scotch Collies?
Answer
Evidence of a genetic bottleneck due to close relation among most tested dogs.
The preliminary genetic analysis conducted by UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory on 43 Scotch Collies showed that although the overall group had more diversity than conformation lines, forty of those dogs clustered into a single, closely related population. This clustering indicated the presence of a genetic bottleneck. A genetic bottleneck signifies a historical period where the population size severely decreased, resulting in a limitation of genetic variants available to subsequent generations. This finding underscores the need for careful management of kinship within the preservation efforts to secure future diversity.

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