Genetic diversity and population structure of U.S. Suffolk sheep participating in the national sheep improvement program
The current level of genetic diversity and population structure was quantified for the U.S. Suffolk breed. While the rate of inbreeding was at an acceptable level, the effective population size was modest, indicating that monitoring of genetic diversity and strategic mating of less related animals in the breed should continue. As the sheep industry moves forward, regular assessments of genetic diversity and population structure are needed.
Authors
- Ronald M Lewis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1658-443X)
- Brenda M. Murdoch (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8675-3473)
- Brito Luiz
- Carrie S Wilson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9971-1061)
- Artur Oliveira Rocha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9021-2925)
- Brad Freking
- Tom Murphy
- J. Bret Taylor
Institutions
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln (US)
- Agricultural Research Service (US)
- University of Idaho (US)
- Purdue University West Lafayette (US)
- Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Genetics Selection Evolution
- Published
- 2026-01-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12711-025-01027-4
- Primary Topic
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture