Genetic diversity and population structure of U.S. Suffolk sheep participating in the national sheep improvement program.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Suffolk is the primary terminal sire breed in the U.S. As a breed that participates in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP), Suffolk breeders are attempting to accumulate enough genomic information to provide genomic-enhanced estimated breeding values as part of the national genetic evaluations. The effective implementation of genomic selection and management of genetic diversity in the breed require a comprehensive assessment of current genetic diversity and population structure. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to assess the genetic diversity and population structure present in U.S. Suffolk sheep included in the NSIP using both pedigree- and genomic-based methods. A secondary objective is to compare the levels of genomic diversity of U.S.

SUBMITTER: Wilson CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12809957 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature