Genome-wide diversity of Pagliarola sheep residual population and its conservation implication

Local breeds represent an underestimated resource in terms not only of their important cultural and economical role marginal areas, but also because they often own a potential genetic pool well adapted to extreme conditions. This fact is increasing interest, especially when considering climate global challenges where peculiar uncommon traits could be advantageous. In this study, we genotyped 24 individuals belonging the small residual Pagliarola sheep population using OvineSNP50K array, order compare its genomic architecture with other 21 Italian local breeds. Moreover, performed fixation index (FST) outlier analysis identify genes most differentiated between Merino-derived All analyses highlighted that breed represents distinct unit showing relationship underlying close connection these related transhumance. However, resulted divided into two different sub-populations, named 1 (PAG-1) 2 (PAG-2). Genetic diversity indices inbreeding estimated from runs homozygosity (FROH) indicated while PAG-1 showed among highest values, PAG-2 turned out strongly inbred, probably as consequence founder effect. The FST identified 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms, which mapping within known (MACF1 GLIS1) reported linked feed efficiency adaption. information suggest proper conservation measures should implemented recover fundamental products.HIGHLIGHTSAll unit, clusters breeds.The sub-populations.For very makeup.Results Bayesian approach know (MACF1and livestock species adaptation.The generated study suggests population.