Comparative genome-wide analysis of <i>Ovis aries</i> in Saudi Arabia highlighting inbreeding and genetic isolation of the Najdi sheep breed.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Sheep (Ovis aries) farming through traditional practices plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Genetic relationships among KSA sheep breeds remain poorly characterized.

Methods

In this study, we performed a comparative genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of three sheep breeds (Najdi, Naemi, and Harri) to evaluate their genetic diversity. Blood samples from 95 individuals were genotyped using OvineSNP50 BeadChip, generating 34,026 high-quality SNPs.

Result and discussion

Minor allele frequency (MAF) distribution revealed the highest genetic diversity in Naemi, followed by Harri and Najdi. The run of homozygosity (ROH)-based inbreeding coefficient (F_ROH) identified

SUBMITTER: Aldawish AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12515495 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature