Molecular Characterization of Balochi Sheep by using Microsatellite Markers in Pakistan
Molecular Characterization of Balochi Sheep by using Microsatellite Markers in Pakistan
Mudassar Jehan1, Masroor Ahmed Bajwa2, Mohammad Masood Tariq2, Asim Faraz3*, Abdul Samaad2, Jameel Ahmad1 and Yousaf Hassan Barozai2
ABSTRACT
Balochi sheep is one among the established sheep breeds of Balochistan province in Pakistan. As far as its size is concerned, it is medium sized, having fat tail and inhabits in the Northern regions in Balochistan. Molecular studies are the base of breed characterization. Hence, nearly 25 unrelated (including both male and female) animals of Balochi breed were sampled for DNA extraction. Some specific markers (15 out of available 30 SSR markers) were employed in the present study to highlight genetic polymorphism. The PCR was utilized for amplification of individual DNA samples. All of the 15 SSR markers were amplified. After gel documentation, a total number of 97 alleles were recognized having 1 to 5 polymorphic forms (OARFCB193, OARJMP29, MAF33) to 4 (OARHH47, DYMS1, SRCRSP5). For total loci, number of alleles averaged 2.1162±0.3769. Shannon’s Information index (I) 0.6184±0.2447 and the effective number of alleles (Ne) averaged 1.6251±0.4604. Average observed, expected and average heterozygosities were found to be 0.5815±0.1059, 0.4330±0.5811 and 0.4331±0.5811, respectively. It was noted that the F-statistic was ranging from 0.2166 to 0.95182 for the microsatellite markers employed in the study. Expected reduction in heterozygosity was higher than mean value in case of most of the markers with lower standard errors showing the prevalence of homozugous Balochi sheep population. The main cause reason behind prevalence of homozygous population might be inbreeding as only few rams had been used for breeding the flocks. This study would provide basis for breed characterization and lead to breed improvement program.
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