Exploring the genetic diversity of sheep using mitochondrial DNA

Under today's prevailing economic conditions, the keeping of world breeds predominates. These animals are capable of excellent performance and produce efficiently and profitably. The more these breeds spread, the more native breeds are pushed out of breeding and public awareness. In the latter case, in addition to the decline in the number of those, perhaps an even greater problem is that without appropriate mating plan, their allele diversity will also decline, and they will fall into risk. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-based investigation is playing an increasingly important role in the genetic conservation of endangered domestic breeds. The authors aim to give an overview of the possibilities offered by this, with a special focus on sheep. After a general description of the mtDNA and it genes and their functions the specificity of the maternal lineages is presented. In this way, they inform the practical breeders to the promising potential of mtDNA for controlling the genetic diversity of endangered livestock breeds. All this not only preserves an essential part of our culture and history, but also contributes to sustainability.