Molecular data on wild sheep genetic resources and domestic sheep evolution
Date
2001
Authors
Hiendleder, S.
Janke, A.
Wassmuth, R.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Archives Animal Breeding, 2001; 44(SUPPL. 2):271-279
Statement of Responsibility
Stefan Hiendleder, Axel Janke, Rudolph Wassmuth
Conference Name
Abstract
Wild sheep of the genus Ovis are an important genetic resource for a major agricultural species. In a pilot study, we have used mitochondrial DNA control region and COI gene data in order to characterize their biodiversity and to clarify the nomenclature of mouflon (O. musimon), urial (O. vignei) and argali (O. ammon) and to investigate the origins and ancestors of domestic sheep. Comparisons between 17 partial control region sequences of wild and domestic sheep revealed sequence differences up to 8%. Phylogenetic reconstructions by the Parsimony and Neighbor Joining method yielded similar tree topologies with 4 clearly separated clades. Domestic sheep sequences were found in two branches, which correspond to the previously reported haplotypes A and B. This suggests a dual maternal origin for O. aries. The only wild sheep that was found in one of the domestic sheep branches was O. musimon. The other branches contained both O. vignei and O. ammon,. This is contrary to expectations for a “moufloniform” species of wild sheep, and points to major discrepancies in present nomenclature. A PCR-RFLP analysis of control region and COI gene fragments performed on more than 300 sheep samples from 22 breeds of European and Asian origin showed a preponderance of haplotype A in Asia, while haplotype B was the prevailing type in Europe, indicating an eastern and western domestication event.