Microsatellite based diversity estimation of Changthangi–a high altitude sheep breed of India

Abstract

The Changthangi sheep is an important sheep breed due to its capability to thrive in harsh environmental condition at high altitude. This precious germplasm is now endangered. Genetic diversity in Changthangi sheep was estimated using 25 ovine specific microsatellite markers. A total number of 219 alleles were detected. Microsatellites were highly polymorphic with mean observed allelic number 8.760±0.587 (ranging from 4 to 15/locus). Expected number of alleles varied from 1.144 (CSSM47) to 10.509 (OarCP49) with the mean of 4.539±0.412. The observed heterozygosity in the population varied from 0.053 (CSSM47) to 0.912 (OarCP49) with the mean of 0.691±0.039 implying the presence of substantial amount of genetic variability in investigated sheep breed. Population exhibited very low level of heterozygote deficiency (4.7%). The results suggested that this breed has a rich reservoir of genetic diversity. This fact and its marked adaptation to high altitude environment reinforce the importance of its conservation as a pure breed