Genetic diversity and population structure of Tsigai and Zackel type of sheep breeds in the Central-, Eastern- and Southern-European regions

The diversity, population structure and genetic relationships of Tsigai and Zackel type of sheep breeds from the Central-, Eastern- and Southern-European regions were investigated using microsatellite markers. In all, 1506 individuals belonging to 41 populations from 8 countries were genotyped for 16 microsatellite loci. Altogether, 384 alleles were detected. The number of identified alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 35. Private alleles could be observed in 26 populations. In most of the populations heterozygosity deficiency and potential risks of inbreeding could be determined. Genetic distance estimates and cluster analysis revealed that the major factor behind population-level genetic differences is the geographical distribution. As a result of frequent gene-flow between neighbouring populations, despite prominent phenotypical differences, populations of given territories often show close genetic relations. Data obtained in the present study can contribute towards refining our knowledge on origin and relationship and towards finding effective conservation strategies for these traditional sheep breeds.