Indigenous Sheep Breeds Research Articles

Meat production characteristics of Turkish native breeds: II. meat quality, fatty acid, and cholesterol profile of lambs.

The study conducted a comparison of meat quality, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol amounts of longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles of male lambs born to Turkish indigenous sheep breeds raised under intensive conditions. A total of 36 singleton male lambs were used as experimental animals of the Akkaraman (A), Morkaraman (M), Awassi (IW), Karayaka (KR), Kıvırcık (KV), and Middle Anatolian Merino (MAM) pure breeds. All lambs were fed the same diet until they reached a target weight of 40 kg weight. After the feeding period, all lambs were slaughtered and LD and ST muscle samples were collected to determine meat quality traits, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol amounts. Although there were no significant differences between lambs in terms of the fatty acid profile of LD and ST muscles, KR lambs had a higher cholesterol content in both muscles in comparison with the lambs born to other breeds (). While water-holding capacity, dripping loss, pH, color, dry matter, ash, and intramuscular fat values of ST muscles showed differences among breeds (), dripping loss, pH, cooking loss, color, dry matter, ash, protein, and intramuscular fat values of LD muscles differed between breeds (). The data of the current study indicated that meat quality characteristics and cholesterol contents of Turkish indigenous breeds showed differences, and these differences may be used for alternative lamb meat production for the consumer.

The response of prion genic variation to selection for scrapie resistance in Hungarian indigenous sheep breeds.

The authors studied the present status of Hungarian indigenous sheep breeds based on the genetic background of scrapie resistance. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the relative frequency of prion haplotypes, genotypes and risk categories, as well as to reveal the efficiency of the scrapie eradication programme achieved over the last decade. A novel approach in the characterisation of prion by using its genic variation was also implemented. The authors established that the proportion of deleterious sites (%) can be a useful indicator of the eradication programme. Based on a large sample size, it was confirmed that the scrapie resistance of the Cikta breed is low, and the classification of this breed according to risk category has not improved. However, the frequent genotype ARQ and risk category 3 can also be considered characteristic of the breed. The careful use of these genotypes is permitted and will contribute to the maintenance of breed diversity. The response of prion genic variation to selection for scrapie resistance in the other breeds (Tsigai, Milking Tsigai, White Racka, Black Racka and Gyimes Racka) was definitely successful.

Evaluation of dietary vitamin E and selenium supplementation on physiological and fertility potential of indigenous breeds of sheep under heat stress

Evaluation of dietary vitamin E and selenium supplementation on physiological and fertility potential of indigenous breeds of sheep under heat stress

Assessing actors in rural markets of sheep and goats in the Nyando Basin of Western Kenya: a key to improving productivity from smallholder farms.

Livestock traders are a key conduit for incentives in livestock production systems. Their actions affect producer prices, investment decisions, and their livelihoods. However, smallholder farmers in rural communities of eastern Africa often have limited understanding of the marketing process and the interactions among market actors. This study was undertaken following the introduction of improved indigenous goat and sheep breeds in Climate Smart Villages of Nyando in western Kenya. We sought to understand the marketing of sheep and goats in five key rural markets used by the smallholder farmers of Nyando, to generate information on key market actors, their functions in the value chain, and their preferences for attributes in sheep and goats. Most traders (65%) in all the markets were men. Four different types of traders operated in the markets, producers, retailers, wholesalers, and brokers, each making a profit. Preference for selling sheep or goats and the animal attributes desired by the traders differed depending on the surrounding community. Markets in Kericho County of Nyando traded more goats than sheep while those in Kisumu County of Nyando traded more sheep than goats. There were no clear policies guiding pricing of animals. Prices offered to producers depended on previous days, and the number of animals available for sale at the marketing point. The collaborative group actions of the producers in the Climate Smart Villages did not extend beyond the level of production to the marketing of their livestock. A critical change is required for the smallholder farmers to derive better incomes from improved quality of animals following adoption of improved breeding and management practices. The results illustrate the need to engage rural market actors when implementing livestock improvement programs for smallholder farmers for better farm gate prices of animals, and thus achieve the improved incomes envisioned.

Molecular Study of the Extension Locus in Association with Coat Colour Variation of Iranian Indigenous Sheep Breeds

A tremendous variety is observed in coat colouration of the Iranian indigenous sheep, whereas a few molecular based studies have been carried out to identify the responsible genes in this geographical area. Function and distribution of melanin, categorized as phaeomelanin and eumelanin determine the coat colour in vertebrates, which are primarily regulated by interactions of the two main loci, agouti and extension, currently termed as Agouti Signalling Protein and Melanocortin 1 Receptor, respectively. In current study, the upstream region and a part of the coding sequence of the MC1R gene were assessed in three Iranian sheep breeds, Zandi, Baluchi and Zel, through molecular methods and in silico predictions. PCR-SSCP results of the 5' UTR flanking region showed a clear banding pattern in which the Eab was most frequent (67 per cent), observed in the individuals with light coloured phenotypes like white Baluchi and light grey and cream Zandi sheep, while the two homozygous patterns, Eaa and Ebb were rare in the populations. Direct sequencing the fragments revealed that the pattern is consistent with the–206G>A polymorphic site in the upstream region and four putative transcription binding sites close to this site were defined and characterized. The 12A>G and 51G>A transitions were also detected and verified as silent mutations in the 5' end of the coding region of the MC1R gene, with synonymous effect on amino acid sequence. Semi quantitative RT-PCR of various phenotypes resulted in acquisition of the highest expression in the dark grey phenotype of the Zel sheep.

Annual concentrations of thyroxin and progesterone in Karagouniko and Chios ewes

The circannual secretion of progesterone and thyroxin of two indigenous sheep breeds (Chios and Karagouniko, each n=10) with different reproductive pattern was investigated. Blood samples were collected weekly and the serum hormone's concentration was assayed by RIA. Between breeds, no difference was detected in the mean annual thyroxin concentration. Similarly, no differences were detected within breeds in the mean thyroxin concentrations for the periods of increasing and decreasing daylight. Clear thyroxin peaks were detected in both breeds a month or so prior to the transition to anestrus period; these peaks were higher in the Karagouniko breed. Breeding season duration was clearly shorter in Karagouniko in comparison with that of Chios; in the later breed many animals had substantially short anestrus. These results give strong indications that thyroid activity has a catalytic role in the regulation of the reproductive period in ewes.

Association of IGF 1 gene polymorphisms with some morphometric traits of Nigerian indigenous sheep breeds

The relationship between IGF 1 gene polymorphisms and some morphometric traits of the Balami, Uda and Yankasa sheep breeds of Nigeria was investigated. Blood samples and morphometric measurements were obtained from 150 sheep (50 for each of the three breeds) at the Maiduguri Livestock market and abattoir while DNA was extracted at the Biotechnology laboratory of the University of Maiduguri. Evaluation of results revealed 2 alleles (A and B) and 3 genotypes (AA, AB and BB) for all the breeds. The Uda and Yankasa breeds had higher frequency of allele B (0.64 and 0.56, respectively) while Balami had higher allele frequency for A (0.61). Balami and Yankasa had high heterozygosity for IGF-1 gene while Uda had high homozygosity for B. For Balami sheep, the genotype BB had higher (P < 0.05) body weight and heart girth (56 kg and 79 cm, respectively) than AB for body weight (45.80 kg) and BB for heart girth (69.67 cm). Conversely, genotype AA had higher body length (94.33 cm) than AB (73.80 cm). IGF 1 gene polymorphisms did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect most morphometric traits of the Yankasa and Uda sheep except height at withers where the genotype AB had higher (P < 0.05) height at withers (71.77 cm) than AA (53.50 cm) for Yankasa sheep. Thus, the three breeds were found to be 100% polymorphic at the regulatory region of IGF-1 locus and this gene may be used as a marker for some morphometric traits in Nigerian indigenous sheep. Keywords : body weight, heart girth, height at withers, breeds, sheep

Relationship between morphological traits, body indices and body condition score as welfare indicators of Nigerian sheep

The relationship between morphological traits and body condition score (BCS) of indigenous sheep breeds was assessed. A total number of 400 indigenous sheep were sampled. Twelve body measurements were taken from these sheep; these measurements were then used to estimate body indices of these animals. Data were subjected to General Linear Model and correlation using SAS. Results revealed that there were significant effects (p&gt;0.05) of sex on some morphological traits and body indices of the sheep. There were negative and significant (p&lt;0.01) correlation between body condition score and height index, over increased index, index of chest compression, cephalic index and dactyl thorax index. There were positive and significant (p&lt;0.01) correlation between body condition score and length index, weight, thoracic development and conformation index. It was concluded that there was low correlation between BCS, morphological traits and body indices of sheep except in conformation index. This implies that increase in conformation index will result in increase in BCS and vice-versa.

Pathophysiology of peste des petits ruminants in sheep (Dorper & Kajli) and goats (Boer & Beetal)

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), an economically important viral transboundary disease of small ruminants is not only prevalent in Pakistan but also in other countries where people rely on agriculture and animal products. The present study was aimed at describing the pathology and antigen localization in natural PPR infections in local (Kajli sheep; Beetal goats) as well as imported small ruminant breeds (Dorper sheep; Australian Boer goat). Morbidity and mortality rates were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in indigenous Kajli sheep (75.37 and 32.80%) and Beetal goats (81.10 and 37.24%) as compared to Dorper sheep (6.99 and 1.48%) and Australian Boer goat (5.01 and 2.23%). Affected animals exhibited high fever, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, respiratory distress and nodular lesions on lips and nostrils. Thick mucous discharge was oozing out from nostrils. On necropsy, lungs were congested and pneumonic, with nodular and cystic appearance. Intestines were hemorrhagic with zebra stripping. Characteristic histopathological lesions of PPR were noted in intestines, lymphoid organs and lungs. In GI tract, stunting and blunting of villi, necrotic enteritis, and infiltration of mononuclear cells in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Small intestines exhibited diffuse edema of the submucosa along with proliferation of fibrocytes leading to thickened submucosa which has not been reported previously. Lymphoid organs showed partial to complete destruction of lymphoid follicles. Lesions of the respiratory tract included depictive of bronchopneumonia, severe congestion of trachea and apical lobe of lungs with deposition of fibrinous materials. Histopathological lesions of respiratory tract were severe and characteristic of broncho‐interstitial pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, interstitial pneumonia and fibrinous pneumonia. The alveoli were filled with edematous fluid mixed with fibrinous exudate, numerous alveolar macrophages, mononuclear cells along with thickened interalveolar septa and presence of intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies. One-Step RT-PCR using NP3 and NP4 primers confirmed a PPR virus of 352 bp size in spleen, lungs and mesenteric and brachial lymph node samples. It was concluded that morbidity and mortality due to PPR were significantly higher in indigenous breeds of sheep and goat as compared to imported sheep and goat breeds. PPR has rendered various lesions in GI and respiratory tract which are characteristic in nature for the diagnosis of the disease under field condition.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Cyp19 and Myostatin Genes in Turkish Indigenous Sheep Breeds

Growth and meat production traits are very important in sheep breeding. Cyp19 gene has a major role in reproductive activity and growth due to its function in estrogen synthesis. Another gene affecting growth traits is Myostatin (MSTN) gene, which mainly regulates skeletal muscle growth. In this study allele frequencies of genetic polymorphism in Cyp19 and Myostatin genes were identified by PCR-RFLP method in five indigenous Turkish sheep breeds, Chiose, Imroz, Kivircik, Zom and Morkaraman. Digestion of Cyp19 gene with HaeIII only revealed uncut AA genotype and digestion of MSTN with DraI also revealed only uncut AA genotype. Both loci analyzed in this study were found to be monomorphic in five Turkish indigenous sheep breeds. These highly conserved parts of the two genes can be useful for molecular evolutionary studies in sheep. Further studies regarding association analysis of Cyp19 and MSTN in sheep should be conducted.

Fertility rate of short-term progestagen pretreated ewes in relation to breed: A field study

The effect of short-term instead of long-term progestagen treatment on fertility of Karagouniko and Chios ewes, after natural mating or artificial insemination, was investigated. Two experiments were performed during the transition period from anοestrous to the breeding season. In the 1st experiment (natural mating, NM), Karagouniko and Chios ewes were randomly allocated into 3 groups, that were KLM (long-term progestagen treatment; n=35), KSM (short-term progestagen treatment; n=34), KSP (short-term progestagen treatment; prostaglandin; n=35) and CLM (n=40), CSM (n=35), CSP (n=38), respectively. In the 2nd experiment (intracervical artificial insemination, AI) Karagouniko and Chios ewes were randomly allocated into 3 groups, that were KLA (long-term progestagen treatment; AI at 54h; n=50), KSA1 (short-term progestagen treatment; AI at 54h; n=20), KSA2 (short-term progestagen treatment; AI at 48h; n=28) and CLA (n=40), CSA1 (n=16), CSA2 (n=20), respectively. At sponges’ removal (d0) all ewes received 400 IU eCG. Ten rams served NM, while for AI fresh diluted semen was used. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed, 45-50 days later. Ιn the 1st experiment, blood samples were collected, daily for 5 days, starting on d0, for serum progesterone assessment. Conception rate in Karagouniko ewes after NM was higher (P&lt;0.05) in KSM (35.29%) compared to KLM (17.14%) group, but did not differ with KSP (28.57%) group, while after AI it was higher (P&lt;0.05) in KLA (42.00%) or KSA1 (40.00%) compared to KSA2 (14.29%) group. In Chios ewes no significant differences were observed between groups either after NM [CLM (45.00%), CSM (36.84%), CSP (34.29%)] or after AI [CSA1 (50.00%), CSA2 (50.00%), CLA (45.00%)]. No significant differences were observed after NM or after AI in the litter size in both breeds. These results indicate that short-term progestagen treatment for oestrus synchronization could be applied in indigenous Greek sheep breeds, resulting in equal (Chios) or improved fertility (Karagouniko) than the common long-term one. Also, the fertility rate in ewes subjected to short-term progestagen treatment depends on the time of AI in relation to breed.

Milk quality characteristics of indigenous sheep breeds Boutsko, Frisarta and Karagouniko

In this study, the chemical and microbiological characteristics of ovine milk from three indigenous Greek breeds, Boutsko, Frisarta and Karagouniko were examined, while reared in the semi mountainous areas. The milk yield of each sheep breed was recorded at the early, mid and late stages of lactation for two consecutive years. The average composition of the samples of ewe’s milk used in this study was similar for protein, lactose and total solids among the three; however fat values were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in Frisarta milk compared to Boutsko and Karagouniko. Total viable cells of Boutsko and Karagouniko raw milk were lower (p&lt;0.05) than those of Frisarta. Enterobacteria detected in bulk raw milk from Boutsko and Frizarta breeds were in lower numbers (p&lt;0.05) compared to milk from Karagouniko breed. Somatic cells were also counted in lower numbers in milk collected from Boutsko and Karagouniko breeds compared to Frisarta. The percentage of detected as potentially pathogenic bacteria (coagulase negative staphylococci and enterobacteriae) was higher in the milk from Frisarta sheep milk.

Genomic diversity and population structure of three autochthonous Greek sheep breeds assessed with genome-wide DNA arrays

In the present study, genome-wide genotyping was applied to characterize the genetic diversity and population structure of three autochthonous Greek breeds: Boutsko, Karagouniko and Chios. Dairy sheep are among the most significant livestock species in Greece numbering approximately 9million animals which are characterized by large phenotypic variation and reared under various farming systems. A total of 96 animals were genotyped with the Illumina's OvineSNP50K microarray beadchip, to study the population structure of the breeds and develop a specialized panel of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which could distinguish one breed from the others. Quality control on the dataset resulted in 46,125 SNPs, which were used to evaluate the genetic structure of the breeds. Population structure was assessed through principal component analysis (PCA) and admixture analysis, whereas inbreeding was estimated based on runs of homozygosity (ROHs) coefficients, genomic relationship matrix inbreeding coefficients (FGRM) and patterns of linkage disequilibrium (LD). Associations between SNPs and breeds were analyzed with different inheritance models, to identify SNPs that distinguish among the breeds. Results showed high levels of genetic heterogeneity in the three breeds. Genetic distances among breeds were modest, despite their different ancestries. Chios and Karagouniko breeds were more genetically related to each other compared to Boutsko. Analysis revealed 3802 candidate SNPs that can be used to identify two-breed crosses and purebred animals. The present study provides, for the first time, data on the genetic background of three Greek indigenous dairy sheep breeds as well as a specialized marker panel that can be applied for traceability purposes as well as targeted genetic improvement schemes and conservation programs.

Study on the continuity of farmer`s breeding activity with Patch Faced Maritza sheep breed

Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyze tendencies in the population of Patch Faced Maritza sheep breed and estimation of sustainability of the breeding program for this breed by analyzing continuity of farmer`s breeding activity. Patch Faced Maritza sheep breed is a local Bulgarian sheep breed typical for lowland regions of South Bulgaria and could be successfully used as local genetic resource in productive strategies for milk and meat production. Data about breeders and population structure of the breed during 27 years (1991-2017) were provided by the breeding association of Maritza sheep breed. The changes in the population structure during the 2005-2017 were tracking. The number of breeders included in the breeding program was increased from 10 to 88 herds. This positive trend in the population and increased farmer`s interest to participate in the breeding program were due to government programs for supporting sheep farming and preserve many indigenous sheep breeds that are part of agricultural heritage. The increased number of herds included in the breeding program led up to enlarge active population in three main reproductive categories: ewes, rams and breeding lambs. Comparatively small number of ewes, rams and breeding lambs which in 2005 were respectively 375, 13 and 180 run to 7678, 493 and 1868 in 2017. This enlarge of active population was achieved by three ways: joining farmers which kept Patch Faced Maritza sheep but not participating in official breeding program of the breed, increasing the breeding lambs for replacement rate and limited upgrade crossing. On the based breeding activity contracts with farmers it was estimated continuity of breeding activity in two categories of breeders: finished breeding activity with the breed and continuing with active breeding activity with the breed. The causes for discontinuing of active farmers breeding work were analysed. A total number of farmers which finished breeding activity was 54 for 27 years. Averaged continuity of farmer`s breeding activity was 4.26 years. The analysis of this information find out five reasons for discontinuing farmers breeding activity: disinterest, death, old age, switching to another business, and changing the breed. From the listed reasons the most important are switching to another business 23 farmers and disinterest for active breeding work 17 farmers. The most important fact results nowadays is the fact that Patch Faced Maritza sheep is occurred already in 11 regions in Bulgaria, although 74.11% of the population is situated in two regions Plovdiv and Pazardzhik.

The genetic polymorphisms of TGFβ superfamily genes are associated with litter size in a Chinese indigenous sheep breed (Hu sheep)

Litter size, which is a complex economic trait in sheep, is affected by polygenes. Hu sheep are a prolific native breed in China and also an ideal resource for studying the genetic mechanism that controls litter size in sheep. In this study, we investigated the genetic effects of candidate genes on litter size in a large experimental population (n = 2021) of Hu sheep. A total of 23 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including six reported major mutations (FecB, FecXI, FecXB, FecXH, FecGI, and FecGH) and 17 novel SNPs in 10 candidate genes involved in reproduction were genotyped using KASPar technology. Genotyping showed that Hu sheep carry the FecB mutation, but not the FecXI, FecXB, FecXH, FecGH, and FecGI mutations. Among the remaining 18 SNPs, 16 tagged SNPs were selected based on the HAPLOVIEW program. Analysis of single marker association indicated a significant association between litter size in Hu sheep and three mutations in the TGFβ superfamily (FecB, GDF9 and TGFBR2 genes). Quantitative trait modes (QTMs) analysis revealed that the FecB and GDF9 mutations exerted an additive effect, while the mutation located within TGFBR2 gene was dominant. Linear regression analysis of the association between multiple markers and litter size indicated a correlation between homozygous ewes with the GG/AA/TT genotype and larger litter size than any of the other genotypes. In conclusion, the FecB, GDF9, and TGFBR2 polymorphisms were implicated as genetic markers of potential importance in marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies to improve litter size in Hu sheep.

Genetic differentiation and phylogeny of 27 sheep populations based on structural gene loci

To explore the genetic divergence and phylogeny of Chinese indigenous sheep breeds, in the current study, we analyzed the polymorphisms of 5 structural loci in ten sheep populations, including Sishui Fur, Sunite, Wurank, Bayinbuluke, Altay, Small-Tailed Han, Wadi, Tan, Tong and Hu sheep. The data were then compared with those from an additional 13 Asian and 4 European sheep populations acquired by the same experimental method. Based on the genetic distance and the results of a cluster analysis, we constructed the phylogenetic relationship of 27 populations. The results showed that the sheep populations in this study could be classified into four genetic groups: “Mongolian”, “Tibetan”, “South-Southeast Asian” and “European” sheep groups. All 10 Chinese sheep breeds belonged to the “Mongolian sheep” lineage; however, Finnish Landrace sheep and Yunnan sheep could not be classified into any of the four groups. These results could provide a good reference for the protection and utilization of primary breed resources in China and phylogenic research on Asian sheep populations.

Proximate and mineral composition of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum of suckling lambs from three Croatian indigenous breeds reared in outdoor conditions

Lamb meat represents an important source of nutrients for humans worldwide. However, nutritional value of lamb meat, and particularly that obtained from suckling lambs, has been scarcely investigated in comparison to other categories of meat. The study aimed to provide some basic insights into proximate and mineral composition of lamb meat and to disclose some important sources of its variability. Three Croatian indigenous insular sheep breeds were included in the study: Rab sheep, Cres sheep, and Krk. The lambs were reared in outdoor insular environment where lambs were fed exclusively by suckling their mothers and by grazing wild grown vegetation. It has been determined that gender significantly affected fat (p < .001) and moisture ratio (p < .05), and had no effect on concentration of the examined minerals, except Zn (p < .01). The factor composed of breed and environment significantly affected moisture ratio (p < .001), fat ratio (p < .01), and concentrations of Ca, Na, Cu, and Mn (p < .001), Zn (p < .01), and K (p < .05). The concentrations of Mn and Ca were by far the most influenced by breed-environment effect. The results of the study evidenced that factor composed of breed and environment represents important source of variability of nutritional value of lamb meat produced in extensive rearing systems.

Microsatellite based genetic diversity estimation in Kajali sheep and its phylogenetic relationship with other indigenous sheep breeds

Microsatellite based characterization of Kajali sheep population found in Punjab and adjoining regions was carried out and genetic diversity measures were analysed. High measures of allele (7.778±0.80) and gene diversity (0.66±0.03) were observed across this population. A significant positive FIS (0.23±0.03) value suggested a deficiency in the number of heterozygotes in Kajali sheep which may be attributed to population sub-structuring into different colour variants (White and Kali Kajali). The population revealed presence of genetic diversity and there was no significant heterozygosity excess indicating the absence of genetic bottleneck in the recent past. The phylogenetic study analysis with 18 other Indian sheep breeds revealed that Kajali sheep clustered in same node with Munjal sheep (bootstrap value of 22%). However, Kajali and Munjal sheep are phenotypically distinct from each other. The genetic characterization of Kajali sheep will help in devising suitable strategies for its genetic improvement, management and recognition at national level.

Preliminary report on β-casein gene Met183QVal183 polymorphism in Romanian indigenous Zackel sheep breeds.

Genetic polymorphisms of the milk protein genes are important because of their effects on quantitative traits and technological properties of milk manufacturing. In the present study we identified the polymorphism of the beta-casein gene in two local sheep breeds (Racka n=98 and Turcana n=111) in Romania. The most studied variants at the ovine beta-casein (CSN2) locus are: A and G variants. Genomic DNA was extracted from hair follicles and beta-casein genotypes were determined by the rapid TaqMan (Applied Biosystems, USA) genotyping assay. Homozygote genotypes GG were not detected in any of the studied breeds. In both, the Racka and Turcana breeds, the A variant had a much higher frequency, 0.98% and 0.97%, respectively. In the current study, the fast DNA tests for genotyping ovine CSN2 were successfully optimized, however, further samples and correlations of genomic results with milk characteristics and production data are needed for the development of future selection schemes of the Romanian indigenous sheep breeds, with the ultimate purpose to produce low allergen level sheep milk and derived dairy products.

English

Mohammed N, Alemayehu K, Getachew T. 2017. On-farm phenotypic characterization of indigenous sheep population and its cross with awassi in selected Districts of South Wollo, Amhara, Ethiopia. Trop Drylands 1: 1-12. This study aimed at investigating the phenotypic diversity of indigenous sheep breeds in selected districts of south Wollo highlands and to assess the effect of crossbreeding of Wollo sheep with Awassi on growth and morphological characters under stallholder management of eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. Three districts were selected purposely based on their sheep flock size, sheep production potential and their contribution to the farmers. Body weight and linear body measurements were taken from 525 mature indigenous sheep and Local x Awassi crossbred. Body weight and most of the linear body measurements of indigenous sheep population were significantly affected by the district. Crossbred had significantly higher body weight and body measurements than indigenous sheep in Legambo district. Sex had significant effect on body weight, wither height and rump height for Awassi crossbred. Body weight and all linear body measurements were significantly influenced by age group. Sex and age group interaction significantly affected body weight and most linear measurements of indigenous sheep, and significantly affected wither height and rump height of local x Awassi crossbred. There was a positive and strong correlation between body weight and chest girth of indigenous female sheep as well as between rump height, body length, chest girth, wither height and body weight of indigenous male sheep. Positive and strong correlation between body weight and chest girth was observed for Awassi crossbred female. Chest girth and body length for indigenous and local x Awassi crossbred sheep could be used for the prediction of body weight. The body weight of local x Awassi crossbred (28.75±0.49 kg) was higher than the indigenous sheep (22.19±0.41 kg) in Legambo district. As the conclusion indigenous sheep has potential for improving livelihood and economy of smallholder farmers using crossbred in the study areas.