A genome wide survey of SNP variation reveals the genetic structure of sheep breeds.

ABSTRACT: The genetic structure of sheep reflects their domestication and subsequent formation into discrete breeds. Understanding genetic structure is essential for achieving genetic improvement through genome-wide association studies, genomic selection and the dissection of quantitative traits. After identifying the first genome-wide set of SNP for sheep, we report on levels of genetic variability both within and between a diverse sample of ovine populations. Then, using cluster analysis and the partitioning of genetic variation, we demonstrate sheep are characterised by weak phylogeographic structure, overlapping genetic similarity and generally low differentiation which is consistent with their short evolutionary history. The degree of population substructure was, however, sufficient to cluster

SUBMITTER: Kijas JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2652362 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature