An Investigation on Population Structure and Inbreeding of Sangsari Sheep

The aim of this study was to describe inbreeding and population structure in Sangsari sheep breeding station. For this reason, data from 7028 Sangsari sheep which were collected during 1987-2014 in Sangsari sheep breeding station located near to Damghan city, Semnan province were used. Lambs born during 2010-2014 were considered as reference population. The genetic structure analysis of the population was realized by the ENDOG (v.4.8) software. Mean inbreeding of total population and reference population was 0.28% and 0.70%, respectively. Average relatedness, realized effective population size based on individual increase in inbreeding, effective numbers of founders (fe),and founder genome equivalents (fg) were estimated 0.59%, 148.75, 140 and 49.97, respectively. Mean generation interval in present population was 4.24 years and average number of equivalent to discrete generations was estimated as 1.64. Average coancestry, effective number of ancestors (fa) and average equivalent complete generation were calculated 1.0005%, 76 and 3.02, respectively. Ratio of fe/fa which expresses the effect of population bottlenecks was 1.84. 50% of total genetic variation was explained by the 32 most influential ancestors. By monitoring parameters associated with genetic diversity and breeding management, the reduction of genetic diversity and probable harmful effects resulting from excessive increase of inbreeding can be prevented.