MOLECULAR GENETIC DIVERSITY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NATIVE SHEEP POPULATIONS IN TELANGANA: A REVIEW

India hosts one of the richest ovine gene pools worldwide, with more than forty recognized breeds and numerous uncharacterized local populations. Among these, the native sheep populations reared in the semi-arid tracts of Telangana represent a unique genetic reservoir adapted to harsh environments and low input management. Recent studies employing FAOISAG recommended microsatellite markers have shed light on the molecular variability of these sheep, particularly those inhabiting the Nagarjuna Sagar region. Across ten loci, a total of eighty two alleles were detected, yielding a mean polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.836) and expected heterozygosity (He = 0.855), confirming high allelic richness. However, the observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.104) and elevated inbreeding coefficient (FIS = 0.878) suggest heterozygote deficit and restricted gene flow. When compared to other Indian and global breeds, Telangana sheep display rich allelic diversity but marked substructuring, highlighting the need for structured breeding and conservation strategies. This review consolidates available molecular data, compares regional and global diversity patterns, and proposes strategic frameworks for sustainable management of Telangana’s native sheep germplasm. Keywords: sheep genetics, microsatellite, Telangana, inbreeding, genetic diversity, conservation, molecular characterization