Genetic Diversity and Trends of Ancestral and New Inbreeding in German Sheep Breeds by Pedigree Data.

ABSTRACT: In Germany, many autochthonous sheep breeds have developed, adapted to mountain, heath, moorland, or other marginal sites, but breeds imported from other countries have also contributed to the domestic breeds, particularly improving wool and meat quality. Selective breeding and the intense use of rams may risk losing genetic diversity and increasing rates of inbreeding. On the other hand, breeds with a low number of founder animals and only regional popularity may not leave their endangered status, as the number of breeders interested in the breed is limited. The objective of the present study was to determine demographic measures of genetic diversity and recent as well as ancestral trends of inbreeding in all autochthonous German sheep breeds and sheep of all breeding directions, includin

SUBMITTER: Justinski C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9951766 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature