Analysis of genetic variability within and among Italian sheep breeds reveals population stratification and suggests the presence of a phylogeographic gradient
E Ciani, R Ciampolini, M D'Andrea, E Castellana… - Small Ruminant …, 2013 - Elsevier
Italy has a long history of sheep breeding and, despite a dramatic number contraction
occurred in the last century, still counts several local sheep breeds that may represent a
unique source of genetic diversity. Here we present the results from the genetic
characterization of seven Italian dairy sheep breeds by 19 STR markers. High levels of
polymorphism were generally detected, with 16.2 average alleles per locus and an average
gene diversity of 0.79. The within-breed analysis highlighted, in six out of the seven breeds …
occurred in the last century, still counts several local sheep breeds that may represent a
unique source of genetic diversity. Here we present the results from the genetic
characterization of seven Italian dairy sheep breeds by 19 STR markers. High levels of
polymorphism were generally detected, with 16.2 average alleles per locus and an average
gene diversity of 0.79. The within-breed analysis highlighted, in six out of the seven breeds …