Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Bulgarian Autochthonous Sheep Breeds Revealed by Microsatellite Analysis

This study attempts to provide a deeper insight into the current genetic status of 12 Bulgarian autochthonous sheep breeds using microsatellite (SSR) markers. A total 600 individuals from 50 flocks were analyzed panel 13 SSR In total, 228 alleles found in studied loci. The mean number alleles, effective and polymorphic information content (PIC) values per locus 17.54, 5.250, 0.799, respectively. expected heterozygosity (He) for all ranged 0.70 0.82. within-population heterozygote deficit (Fis) varied −0.03 0.1, reflecting significant levels 10 breeds. average differentiation (Fst) was 0.046, revealing low discrimination between distance, principal coordinate analysis, structure analysis showed that two breeds—Local Stara Zagora/SZ/ Local Karnobat/MK/—were most distinct populations. Bayesian clustering approach suggested poor breed remaining results suggest proper management strategies specific breeding policies need be implemented Bulgaria avoid intermixing reduce erosion purity observed some