Genetic load among four Andhra caste populations

The effect of inbreeding on mortality is assessed through genetic load estimates among four caste populations, the Chakali, Kummari, Mangali, and Madiga of Andhra Pradesh, India. The regression coefficient "B" is positive and statistically not significant except in the Mangali where reduced fetal wastage with increased inbreeding coefficient is noted. The B/A values of the majority of populations suggest that the genetic load is mainly segregational. It is suggested that among the Kummari, the load is predominantly mutational for prereproductive mortality. Relatively higher values of intercept "A" are observed in the present study for low socioeconomic caste groups.