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Title: Meta-analysis of microsatellite data from US and Brazil sheep breeds

Author
item PAIVA, S - Embrapa National Research Center
item Blackburn, Harvey
item MARIANTE, A.DA - Embrapa National Research Center

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2010
Publication Date: 7/31/2010
Citation: Paiva, S.R., Blackburn, H.D., Mariante, A.S. 2010. Meta-analysis of microsatellite data from US and Brazil sheep breeds. 9th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, August 1-6, 2010, Leipzig, Germany. Meeting Proceedings.

Interpretive Summary: The aim of this study was to adapt a methodology for merging independent microsatellite data sets and exploring the differences between Brazilian (BZ) and US hair breeds of sheep. Eleven markers were in common for the US-BZ dataset and were merged for analysis of genetic structure and diversity. It was possible to infer at least seven major gene pools among the 21 analyzed breeds and 12.84% (P<0.01) of observed variation was explained by differences between breeds. These gene pools were based upon physiological function rather than country of origin. It was also observed that hair sheep breeds tended to have higher levels genetic diversity than wooled breeds and inbreeding levels tended to be higher across the US population. These information is critical to the US and BZ conservation programs as they proceed with improvement of in-situ and ex-situ conservation activities.

Technical Abstract: The aim of this study was to adapt a methodology for merging independent microsatellite data sets and exploring the differences between Brazilian (BZ) and US hair breeds of sheep. Eleven markers were in common for the US-BZ dataset and were merged for analysis of genetic structure and diversity. It was possible to infer at least seven major gene pools among the 21 analyzed breeds and 12.84% (P<0.01) of observed variation was explained by differences between breeds. These gene pools were based upon physiological function rather than country of origin. It was also observed that hair sheep breeds tended to have higher levels genetic diversity than wooled breeds and inbreeding levels tended to be higher across the US population. These information is critical to the US and BZ conservation programs as they proceed with improvement of in-situ and ex-situ conservation activities.