Genetic diversity using microsatellite markers in four Romanian autochthonous sheep breeds

Investigation of genetic relationship among populations was traditionally based on the analysis of allele frequencies at different loci. The four Romanian sheep breeds we have analyzed in this study are very important from an economical point of view, as they are raised for milk, meat and pelts. The aim of this study was to analyze, the genetic diversity and variability of four autochthonous Romanian sheep breeds (Botosani Karakul, Karabash, Palas Milk Line and Palas Meat Line) through the use of 11 ovine-specific microsatellite markers,. The microsatellite analysis revealed high allelic and gene diversity in all four breeds. Botosani Karakul breed showed the highest mean number of alleles (11.6), while the highest value for polymorphic information content was observed for Palas Milk Line breed (0.83). The genetic differentiation among breeds was low, but significant (F(ST)=0.082) and highlighted breed differentiation. Genetic distance estimates and phylogeny analysis highlights genetic differentiation between Botosani Karakul and Karabash breeds and the two synthetic lines.