Population–Genetic Structure of the Askanian Karakul Breed of Sheep

This study gains insight into the population–genetic structure of Askanian Karakul sheep of the Askania-Nova Ivanov Research Institute of Livestock Husbandry and Plant Growing of Steppe Regions using 12 STR-markers (McM042, INRA006, McM527, ETH152, CSRD247, OarFCB20, INRA172, INRA063, MAF065, MAF214, INRA005, and INRA023). A total of 66 animals have been genotyped. According to the results of microsatellite analysis of Askanian Karakul sheep, it has been established that the considered population is characterized by the absence of inbreeding FIS = –0.006, polymorphism indices P = 76.26%, and a sufficiently high level of genetic diversity HE = 0.726. The detected intrapopulation genetic heterogeneity of Askanian Karakul sheep, manifesting itself in segregation into separate clusters, results from the interline crossings. The results can be used in the development of the selective breeding–pedigree programs for the breeding of Askanian Karakul sheep.