Articles | Volume 68, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-161-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-161-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Genome-wide genetic characterization and selection signatures in Anatolian Merino sheep
Taki Karsli
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26160, Türkiye
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In this study, genome-wide genetic variability and footprints of selection were investigated in Turkish Awassi sheep via 397 315 SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms). High genetic variability together with low inbreeding level were observed. Selection signature analyses revealed several genomic regions related to economically important traits (milk and meat yield, lactation, and growth) and adaptation to environmental stressors. These results are of significant potential in designing further conservation and breeding programs.
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This study confirmed that mtDNA could make a significant contribution to cattle farming in both theory and practice. In theory, even if they were domesticated in different geographical areas, the patterns of crossbreeding between taurine and indicine were detected in Anatolian cattle at a low frequency. In practice, pedigree records could be revised in terms of admixture level and species-specific haplotypes of taurine and indicine by the farmers via molecular studies such as mtDNA.
Hasan Meydan, Eymen Demir, Ümit Bilginer, Huriye Doğru, Sarp Kaya, Bahar Argun Karsli, Yusuf Aktaş, Veli Atmaca, Francesco Perini, and Taki Karsli
Arch. Anim. Breed., 69, 605–617, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-605-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-605-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, genome-wide genetic variability and footprints of selection were investigated in Turkish Awassi sheep via 397 315 SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms). High genetic variability together with low inbreeding level were observed. Selection signature analyses revealed several genomic regions related to economically important traits (milk and meat yield, lactation, and growth) and adaptation to environmental stressors. These results are of significant potential in designing further conservation and breeding programs.
Eymen Demir, Nina Moravčíková, Bahar Argun Karsli, Radovan Kasarda, Ibrahim Aytekin, Umit Bilginer, and Taki Karsli
Arch. Anim. Breed., 66, 31–40, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-66-31-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-66-31-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study confirmed that mtDNA could make a significant contribution to cattle farming in both theory and practice. In theory, even if they were domesticated in different geographical areas, the patterns of crossbreeding between taurine and indicine were detected in Anatolian cattle at a low frequency. In practice, pedigree records could be revised in terms of admixture level and species-specific haplotypes of taurine and indicine by the farmers via molecular studies such as mtDNA.
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Short summary
Genetic variability and selection signatures were analyzed in Anatolian Merino via 351.539 bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Adequate genetic diversity with a low inbreeding coefficient was detected. Effective population size, however, showed a declining trend through generations. Selection signals were observed in 37 and 72 protein-coding genes via two statistical approaches; a large part of them were associated with milk traits and udder morphology.
Genetic variability and selection signatures were analyzed in Anatolian Merino via 351.539...