Genetic polymorphism and diversity of Iraqi awassi sheep using PCR-RAPD technique

Abstract EN

The establishment of modern sheep production systems in Iraq, lead to presence of various forms of hybridization between the native and Middle East breeds which have been utilized for genetic improvement.

This occur in consistence with the progressive destruction or deterioration of sheep habitat.

Together, these factors have accelerated the loss of genetic diversity or even resulted in the extinction of some indigenous breeds.

Therefore, it is important to develop efficient strategies for surveillance, evaluation, conservation and utilization of the available genetic resources for this species.

Seven random amplification polymorphism DNA (RAPD) marker used.

The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity for Awassi native breed in Iraq.

The higher polymorphism information contents at the seven markers (Seventy- three bands obtained with 28.

3% of polymorphism) indicate the retention of natural variation from source populations for the domestic breeds of different geographic regions in Iraq.

Analysis of genetic differentiation revealed substantial divergence among these breeds as 16% diversity indicating that some evolutionary forces (e.

g.

selection and migration, uncontrolled selling across borders) had acted on these populations.

Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses displayed a remarkable degree of consistency between geographic origins, breeding histories and the pattern of genetic differentiation.