I'm a researcher from Purdue University, but based in WA. We are developing epigenetic clocks for all North America deer family species (elk, moose, black tail, mule, white tail, caribou). These clocks use genetic markers to estimate the age of individuals similar to cementum annuli aging but often more accurate and can be done easily from living animals. We hope to develop these clocks and deploy them in fecal samples to help managers get better population estimates.
What we are in search of:
- Front incisor
- Fecal Sample
- Tissue Sample (can be tongue, ear, general muscle, liver etc.)
If you'd be interested in contributing samples from your hunts or want to know more about the project/epigenetic clocks, please contact me here or via email skreling@purdue.edu.
We are also developing methods to hopefully detect AHD, EHD, and a few other diseases from fecal pellets to help manage outbreaks.
Thanks!
Sam
