Detection of homozygosity and heterozygosity regions in mediterranean sheep breeds revealed by high-density SNP array.

ABSTRACT: Genome-wide studies in livestock have become essential tools for investigating genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive evolution. By leveraging high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, researchers can identify genomic regions under selection and trace the demographic history of breeds. Among the most informative genomic features are Runs of Homozygosity (ROH), which reflect inbreeding levels and historical population dynamics, and Heterozygosity-Rich Regions (HRR), which may indicate loci under balancing selection and contribute to important functional traits. In this study, we investigated the ROH and HRR patterns in four different Mediterranean sheep breeds (Barbaresca-BAR, n = 48; Noticiana-NOT, n = 48; Valle del Belice-VDB, n = 142; and Sarda-SAR, n = 144

SUBMITTER: Carta F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12924876 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature