Articles | Volume 69, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-69-605-2026
© Author(s) 2026. 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-69-605-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Original study
| 
02 Nov 2026
Original study |
| 02 Nov 2026
| 02 Nov 2026
Genome-wide selection signatures in Turkish Awassi sheep: uncovering the genetic basis of production traits and adaptation
Hasan Meydan
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07070, Türkiye
Eymen Demir
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07070, Türkiye
Ümit Bilginer
Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Huriye Doğru
Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Burdur Health Services, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, 15100, Türkiye
Sarp Kaya
Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Burdur Health Services, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, 15100, Türkiye
Bahar Argun Karsli
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26160, Türkiye
Yusuf Aktaş
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26160, Türkiye
Veli Atmaca
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, 40100, Türkiye
Francesco Perini
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06121, Italy
Taki Karsli
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, 26160, Türkiye
Related authors
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Taki Karsli
Arch. Anim. Breed., 68, 161–169, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-161-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-68-161-2025, 2025
Short summary
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.
Eymen Demir
Arch. Anim. Breed., 67, 353–360, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-67-353-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-67-353-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, genetic bottleneck and migration events among Hair, Honamlı, Kabakulak, and Norduz populations were assessed using 28 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. No evidence of a genetic bottleneck was detected in Anatolian goats using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. No migration to Norduz was observed, indicating that this breed has become genetically distinct due to geographic isolation. These results may serve to carry out better management practices.
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
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.
In this study, genome-wide genetic variability and footprints of selection were investigated in...
