Comparative genome-wide analysis of Ovis aries in Saudi Arabia highlighting inbreeding and genetic isolation of the Najdi sheep breed
Principal component (PC) and admixture analyses distinctly separated Najdi from the other two breeds, reflecting its unique genetic identity. Wright's fixation index (F<sub>ST</sub>) further affirmed genetic differentiation between Najdi and Naemi. Moreover, 336 high-F<sub>ST</sub> SNPs were identified, which were linked to breed-specific genetic signatures. Our study reveals genetic diversity among local breeds and highlights the need for conservation efforts for the Najdi sheep.
Authors
- Faisal M. Alsubaie (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2586-7765)
- Mohammed Fahad Albeshr (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9571-1846)
- Quaiser Saquib (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7030-3777)
- Mohanad A. Ibrahim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8282-6169)
- Abdulrahman K Aldawish
Institutions
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (TZ)
- King Saud University (SA)
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (SA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Genetics
- Published
- 2025-09-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2025.1646127
- Primary Topic
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- King Saud University