Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses reveal population differentiation in Brazilian Creole sheep |
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| Authors: | G L Gonçalves G R P Moreira T R O Freitas D Hepp D T Passos T A Weimer |
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| Institution: | 1. Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Av. Bento Gon?alves, 9500. Porto Alegre, RS 91501‐970, Brazil.;2. Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Av. Bento Gon?alves, 9500. Porto Alegre, RS 91501‐970, Brazil.;3. Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Luterana do Brasil. Av. Farroupilha, 8001. Canoas, RS 92420‐280, Brazil. |
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| Abstract: | Using ND5 sequences from mtDNA and 10 nuclear markers, we investigated the genetic differentiation of two South American Creole sheep phenotypes that historically have been bred in different biomes in southern Brazil. In total, 18 unique mtDNA haplotypes were detected, none of which was shared between the two phenotypes. Bayesian analysis also indicated two different groups (k = 2). Thus, these varieties are supported as being genotypically distinct. This situation could have resulted either from geographical isolation, associated with differences in the cultural habits of sheep farmers and in the way that flocks were managed, or more likely, from the introduction of different stocks four centuries ago. |
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| Keywords: | evolutionary history genetic diversity mitochondrial DNA population structure |
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