Indigenous Sheep Research Articles

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.

Molecular cloning and epigenetic change detection of Kiss1 during seasonal reproduction in Chinese indigenous sheep.

Like most seasonal domesticated species, sheep are short-day breeders, which means that the reproduction axis is activated by short days. The annual photoperiodic cycle affects the amount of daylength information that is transmitted to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by regulating pulsatile secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin, which is encoded by Kiss1, plays a major role in reproductive seasonality. Based on results from our previous Solexa sequencing data obtained from Tan (T) and Small Tail Han (STH) sheep during anoestrus and the breeding season, full-length mRNA information for ovine Kiss1 was obtained; 894bp in T sheep and 1145bp in STH sheep. Both encode 135 amino acids. Additionally, T and STH sheep have different transcription start sites of Kiss1. Kiss1 expression during oestrus was significantly higher than that during dioestrus, both in T and STH sheep (P<0.01). We also found a strong relationship between Kiss1 mRNA levels and histone H3 acetylation status in the 5' promoter region of ovine Kiss1. These data indicated that epigenetic modification occurs during reproduction in sheep, and this is the first report that histone H3 deacetylation occurs in the hypothalamus of seasonal sheep breeders during the transition from dioestrus to oestrus.

Maternal and neonatal behavior as affected by maternal nutrition during prepartum and postpartum period in indigenous sheep

Abstract An intensive period of behavioral interaction between the ewe and the newborn lambs occurs during parturition, usually associated with specific physiological changes. This study was conducted to evaluate the maternal–filial behavior of native breeds given concentrate supplementation, prepartum and postpartum, and outcomes for their crossed Dorper lambs. A total of 52 crossbreed lambs from 36 hair ewes, 20 Santa Ines (SI), and 16 Morada Nova (MN), crossed with a Dorper ram were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 breeds (MN and SI) and 2 treatments (0.5% and 1.5% of concentrate supplementation based on body weight). There was no effect ( P > 0.05) of breed and concentrate supplementation on total lambing time ( P > 0.05) or placental expulsion time ( P > 0.05). Concentrate supplementation did not influence ( P > 0.05) lamb survival at birth and weaning for either breeds. SI ewes had greater maternal behavior scores (MBSs) than did MN ewes indicating better care at the time of lamb identification. The lower MBS for MN ewes may be attributed to complications during the birth. SI and MN ewes had high similarity in several aspects of maternal and neonatal behavior. The level of concentrate supplementation did not affect the ewe behavior, but 0.5% concentrate promotes similar offspring survival at birth and at weaning compared to 1.5% concentrate supplementation.

Effect of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi combined with manure on the change in concentration some mineral elements in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

ABSTRACTA pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the synergy of indigenous AMF and sheep manure (SM) on potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and some micronutrient concentrations in cotton plant. Indigenous AMF were a mixture of Glomus viscosum, Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices initially isolated from a cotton field. Cotton was grown for 12 weeks and the elements of shoot were determined at three stages of plant growth. Inoculated cotton plants with AMF had higher concentrations of K, Ca, manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) than non-mycorrhizal plants. Shoot concentrations of these elements increased significantly when SM was added to mycorrhizal plants. Maximum plant micronutrient uptake was found in the treatment of AMF inoculation with SM. Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn uptake increased significantly by 457%, 282%, 272% and 295%, respectively, over control. Indigenous AMF combined with SM resulted in better plant growth and micronutrient uptake.

Influence du type génétique sur la composition corporelle et la qualité de la viande des ovins élevés dans les systèmes d’élevage traditionnels

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil fermentativo, as perdas e a composição química da silagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã com diferentes aditivos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições por tratamento e cinco tratamentos com diferentes aditivos, como segue: T1- controle sem aditivos; T2 - inoculante microbiano SiloMax Centurium (Matsuda); T3 - inoculante ênzimo microbiano Sil All C4 (Alltech do Brasil); T4 - fubá de milho (100 g kg-1 na matéria natural) e T5 - glicerina bruta (100 g kg-1 na matéria natural), totalizando 20 silos experimentais. A adição de fubá de milho elevou os teores de matéria seca (MS) e carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF) com diminuição na fibra em detergente neutro (FDN). A maior perda de MS total (124,7 g kg-1) foi observado para a silagem sem aditivos, enquanto que a adição de fubá de milho reduziu as perdas de MS total (32,2 g kg-1). Os menores valores de pH foram observados nas silagens com fubá de milho e acidez titulável e os mais elevados nas silagens com glicerina bruta, bem como uma maior produção de ácido láctico. Recomenda-se a inclusão de fubá de milho em 100 g kg-1 de matéria natural, uma vez que fornece um melhor perfil fermentativo e composição química, além de reduzir as perdas de MS. Além disso, a inclusão de glicerina em 100 g kg-1 de matéria fresca mostrou-se como um aditivo com potencial de utilização.

Effect of Syrian Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Combination with Manure on the Growth of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

ABSTRACTA pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the synergy of indigenous AMF and sheep manure (SM) on cotton growth and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. AMF were a mixture of Glomus viscosum, Glomus mosseae, and Glomus intraradices initially isolated from a Syrian cotton field. Dry biomass was enhanced significantly by AMF and was higher at AMF plus SM treatment compared to control. Cotton plants showed a significant dependency to indigenous AMF, which was 52% in the AMF treatment. Plant concentrations of nitrogen (N)and phosphorus (P) were significantly higher in mycorrhizal than nonmycorrhizal plants. Maximum plant N and P uptake was found in the treatment of AMF inoculation with SM, which was significantly higher by 202% and 397% over control, respectively. Indigenous AMF was successful in colonizing cotton roots and when combined with SM resulted in better plant growth and N and P uptake.

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.

Estimation of total methane emission from enteric fermentation of ruminant livestock in Bangladesh

Ruminant livestock is one of the key elementsfor the agriculture-based economy of Bangladesh, although these animals are often condemned as a source greenhouse gas especially methane (CH4).Total methane emission from the enteric fermentation of ruminants in Bangladesh considering Gazipur, Tangail and Mymensingh district is reflected in the output of the present study. The emission was measured using the dry matter intake (DMI) approach based on the total population of ruminants. Feed intake was recorded from on-farm observation and/or farmers records. It was observed that the ration supplied to bovines consisted of 50-60% green roughage, 31-41% rice straw, and 4-10% concentrate mixture. In terms of DMI rice straw has been contributed the highest (51-65%) proportions followed by green forage (24-31%) and concentrate mixture (7-17%). In small ruminant ration, 90-95% feed (DMI 75-86%) was supplied from green grasses and remaining from concentrate mixtures. Although buffalo individually irrespective of sex and age emitted highest amount of methane followed crossbred and indigenous cattle, goat and sheep, the males produced a higher amount of methane than those of female in all species. Total methane emission in Gazipur, Tangail, and Mymensingh districts were 13359.15, 13250.65 and 13653.75 Kg/day and 4876.11, 4836.50 and 4983.62 „000?Kg/year, respectively. In total 848,320 Kg/day and 309,630 “000”Kg/year methane was measured to be emitted in Bangladesh by 56.33 million ruminant livestock where 64.79% had come from indigenous cattle followed by crossbreed cattle (20.82%), Goat (8.79%), Buffalo (5.17%) and sheep (0.43%).Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 245-253

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.

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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.

Effect of season on physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and oxidative stress parameters of indigenous sheep.

Aim:This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of summer and winter season on physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and antioxidant parameters in Indigenous sheep.Materials and Methods:The research was carried out during summer and winter season. 8 adult apparently healthy female sheep (aged 2-4 years) of similar physiological status were selected. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). The THI value of summer and winter season were 82.55 and 59.36, respectively, which indicate extreme hot condition during summer season and extreme cold condition during winter season. Physiological parameters were recorded daily during the experimental periods. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval and analyzed for biochemical, hormonal, and antioxidant parameters. The results were analyzed using completely randomized design.Results:From data obtained in this study, we found that higher THI during summer have significant effect over various physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and enzymatic indices of indigenous sheep. The physiological response such as rectal temperature, respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and skin temperature (ST) was increased significantly. We also found a significant increase in some biochemical parameters such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, creatinine (Cr), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). The level of cortisol hormone and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidase (LPO) antioxidants increased significantly during summer. Whereas, some parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (IP), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were decreased significantly during summer season.Conclusion:It was concluded that the THI is a sensitive indicator of heat stress and is impacted by ambient temperature more than the relative humidity in Indigenous sheep. Higher THI is associated with significant increase in RT, RR, PR, ST, BUN, uric acid, Cr, ALT, AST, Na, K, cortisol, SOD, GPx, and LPO and with a significant decrease in glucose, cholesterol, Ca, IP, T3 and T4.

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The study was conducted in Wolayita zone of Southern, Nations, Nationalities and People Regional State with the objectives to explain its production systems, breeding practice with major constraints of sheep productivity. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select target farmers. Structured questionnaire, focused group discussions, secondary data sources and field observations were used to generate the required data. A total of 184 households were selected from four woredas (8 rural kebele) in both weyna-dega and dega agro-ecologies. The survey results revealed that the overall total family size and land holding were 6.4 and 1.1 ha, respectively and the overall mean sheep holding was 5.2 sheep per households. The purpose of keeping sheep was as source of income followed by manure and meat production. The key feed resources in both agro-ecologies were communal grazing and private pastures. Most important causes of sheep mortality in the study were disease and parasite, water and nutritional deficiency, drought and absence of animal clinic. The overall mean value of age at first lambing, lambing interval and twining rate are 13.5, 7.9 months and 1.5 lambs, respectively. The constraints that delay sheep production in the study area was feed and grazing land shortages disease, drought, labor shortage, water shortage and loss of sheep by predators with index value of 0.30, 0.24, 0.16, 0.15, 0.09 and 0.05, respectively. It was concluded that indigenous sheep had a potential for multipurpose role to generate income for smallholders. Therefore, genetic improvement program should aim at farmers need to cope with trait preference and existing traditional herding and breeding practice. &nbsp; Key words: Sheep production system, breeding practice, selection criteria, trait preferences.

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The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of the indigenous sheep population in central zone of Tigray. A total of 450 mature sheep were sampled randomly for collect qualitative data. Based on dentition adult sheep were classified into four age categories (from one pair of permanent incisor to four pair of permanent incisor). Coat colour, tail type, ear orientation and presence of wattle were significant (p<0.05) between districts studied. Among the three districts only within Tanqua-Abergelle district attributes of coat colour type, tail form, horn and wattle were found to be significant (p<0.05). Majority of the sheep population in Tanqua-Abergelle district had a dark red coat colour type (50.2%), while in Kola-Tembien and Adwa districts sheep were dominated by gray coat colour type (30.1 and 40.8%) respectively. Most of the sampled sheep population across the three districts were short fat tailed followed by short thin and rumped fat tail type. Multiple correspondence analysis indicated that the sampled sheep population in the study districts were clustered into two groups based on their unique characteristics; Kola-Tembien and Adwa sheep together as one group while Tanqua-Abergelle district sheep as the other group, based on their unique characters. Based on the present result on characterization of sheep in the study area one may develop selection criteria and productivity schemes of the local sheep. Key words: Adwa, Kola-Tembien, Tanqua-Abergelle, qualitative traits, suitable selection criteria.

Genome-wide detection of copy number variation in Chinese indigenous sheep using an ovine high-density 600\u2009K SNP array

Copy number variants (CNVs) represent a form of genomic structural variation underlying phenotypic diversity. In this study, we used the Illumina Ovine SNP 600 K BeadChip array for genome-wide detection of CNVs in 48 Chinese Tan sheep. A total of 1,296 CNV regions (CNVRs), ranging from 1.2 kb to 2.3 Mb in length, were detected, representing approximately 4.7% of the entire ovine genome (Oar_v3.1). We combined our findings with five existing CNVR reports to generate a composite genome-wide dataset of 4,321 CNVRs, which revealed 556 (43%) novel CNVRs. Subsequently, ten novel CNVRs were randomly chosen for further quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) confirmation, and eight were successfully validated. Gene functional enrichment revealed that these CNVRs cluster into Gene Ontology (GO) categories of homeobox and embryonic skeletal system morphogenesis. One CNVR overlapping with the homeobox transcription factor DLX3 and previously shown to be associated with curly hair in sheep was identified as the candidate CNV for the special curly fleece phenotype in Tan sheep. We constructed a Chinese indigenous sheep genomic CNV map based on the Illumina Ovine SNP 600 K BeadChip array, providing an important addition to published sheep CNVs, which will be helpful for future investigations of the genomic structural variations underlying traits of interest in sheep.

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The aim of this study was to characterize phenotype indigenous sheep population in central zone of Tigray. A total of 450 adult sheep were sampled randomly for this purpose. Based on dentition adult sheep were classified into four age categories. Average BW of the sampled sheep in Tanqua-Abergelle, Kola-Tembien and Adwa districts were (20.19&plusmn;0.19, 22.18&plusmn;0.22 and 23.68&plusmn;0.33) kg, respectively. Location had highly significant (p&lt;0.0001) effect on body weight (BW) and most of the linear body measurements (LBM). Adwa sheep were heavier than Tanqua-Abergelle sheep, but comparable with Kola-Tembien sheep. Sex of the animal had significant (p&lt;0.0001) effect on BW and most of the LBM. BW in rams and ewes in the study area were 23.23&plusmn;0.25 and 20.81&plusmn;0.13 kg, respectively. Age group had significantly (p&lt;0.0001) affected BW and most of the LBM. The trend of BW and LBM increased with increased dentition class. Highly significant (p&lt;0.0001) correlations were observed between BW and most of the LBM. Chest girth (CG), rump length (RL), tail length (TL) and body length (BL) were found to be the most important traits in the regression model determining male BW accounting for variability of 74%, while for female CG, pelvis width (PW) and RL were the most important traits accounting 73% of the total variability of female BW. Based on the present result one may develop selection criteria and productivity schemes of the local sheep. &nbsp; Key words: Body weight, linear body measurements, quantitative trait, Tanqua-Abergelle, Kola-Tembien, Adwa

Booroola Gene (Fec B) Polymorphism and its Liaison with Litter Size in Indigenous Sheep Breeds of Telangana, India

The present study was aimed to find out the presence of Fec B gene in Deccani and Nellore with its association to litter size. From forty ewes of each Nellore and Deccani breed, having variation in litter size, blood was collected and genomic DNA extraction was done. Animals were screened by PCR-RFLP method for the presence of Fec B gene. Digestion of the Fec B gene 190 base pair with Ava II restriction enzyme resulted in separation of non-carrier (++) 190 bp band (wild type) and heterozygous carrier (B+) 160+190bp indigenous sheep. Frequency of Fec B gene polymorphism distributions was different among these breeds. Among the forty Nellore sheep blood samples, there was only one ewe with (BB) homozygous (160bp) genotype, five ewes with (B/+) heterozygous (160+190bp) genotype and thirty four ewes with (+/+) homozygous (190bp) genotype in Fec B loci. There was only five ewes with (B/+) heterozygous (160+190bp) genotype and thirty five ewes with (+/+) homozygous (190bp) genotype in Fec B loci and none of the individuals carried homozygous genotype for the Fec B gene in Deccani sheep. The average litter size of ewes with the homozygous Fec B (BB) gene was 2.0, heterozygous Fec B (Bb) gene was 1.4 and 1.2, respectively in Nellore and Deccani breeds and others were 1.0 in respective genotypes of both breeds. The study revealed the presence of Fec B gene in indigenous sheep breeds of Telangana, India having good association with litter size in both the breeds.

Slaughter and carcass characteristics of Herik male lambs raised under a finishing system

The aim of this study was to determine the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Herik lambs finished under intensive husbandry conditions. Twenty single male lambs, ten of which had long, semifat tails and ten of which had short, round, and fat tails, all with an average live weight of 20 kg, were used in the study. Concentrate feed and fresh water were given ad libitum and alfalfa hay as forage was given in the amount of 300 g/lamb per day. The lambs were slaughtered when they reached a final weight of 42 kg. The average hot and cold dressing percentages, based on empty body weight (36.400 kg) of Herik carcasses, were 52.56% and 51.74%, respectively. In this study, Herik lamb carcasses had measurements similar to other indigenous Turkish sheep genotypes, except for the carcasses of the Bafra breed. The carcass components of Herik male lambs, except for the foreleg, are similar to other indigenous breeds. Consequently, Herik lambs might be considered as an indigenous genetic source for meat production under the intensive fattening system.

Genetic characterization of Colombian indigenous sheep

Background: indigenous breeds are important for poor farmers because of their natural selection against harsh environments and adaptation to regional conditions. However, inbreeding of indigenous sheep populations has increased in Colombia due to indiscriminate cross-breeding with foreign animals and lack of reproductive controls, with subsequent loss in productivity, which poses a great risk for the conservation of valuable genes. Objective: to determine the genetic diversity in Colombian indigenous sheep by using a panel of 10 microsatellite molecular markers. Methods : blood samples from 362 individuals from 43 farms in 11 Colombian provinces were genotyped and analyzed for a panel of 10 microsatellite markers. Results: a total of 134 alleles were found (13.4 alleles/locus on average) with a range of observed and expected heterozygosity of 0.428 to 0.831 and 0.615 to 0.855, respectively, and 0.742 polymorphic information content (PIC). The average Wright F-statistics (F IS ) of the breeds was 0.107, suggesting moderate levels of inbreeding. Colombian sheep showed a low level of genetic differentiation among breeds (F ST = 0.054) and STRUCTURE analysis showed complex patterns of admixture in the breeds. Conclusion: overall, Colombian sheep have high genetic variability, which is very important for future conservation programs and genetic improvement. Keywords: conservation, DNA, genetic diversity, ovine cattle, population structure. Resumen Antecedentes: las razas animales autoctonas son importantes para los agricultores de escasos recursos a causa de su seleccion natural contra el duro ambiente y su adaptacion a condiciones regionales. Sin embargo en Colombia, debido al cruce indiscriminado con razas foraneas y a la falta de control de la reproduccion, ha aumentado la consanguinidad en las poblaciones de ovinos criollos y por lo tanto la perdida en la productividad, lo que supone un gran riesgo para la conservacion de genes valiosos. Objetivo: determinar la diversidad genetica en razas criollas de ovinos colombianos utilizando analisis por microsatelites. Metodos: se visitaron 43 granjas localizadas en 11 departamentos del pais, en las cuales se tomaron muestras de sangre a 362 individuos. Las muestras fueron genotipadas y analizadas para un panel de 10 marcadores microsatelites. Resultados: un total de 134 alelos fueron encontrados (13,4 alelos/locus en promedio), con un rango de heterocigocidad observada y esperada de 0,428 a 0,831 y 0,615 a 0,855, respectivamente, y un contenido de informacion polimorfica (PIC) promedio de 0,742. El Wright F-statistics (F IS ) promedio de las razas evaluadas fue 0,107, lo cual sugiere que las razas tienen niveles moderados de consanguinidad. Las ovejas colombianas presentaron un bajo grado de diferenciacion genetica entre las distintas razas (F ST = 0,054) y el analisis de STRUCTURE mostro complejos patrones de mezcla en las razas estudiadas. Conclusion: en terminos generales, las ovejas colombianas presentan una alta variabilidad genetica lo cual es muy importante para futuros programas de conservacion y mejoramiento genetico. Palabras clave: ADN, conservacion, diversidad genetica, estructura poblacional, ganado ovino. Resumo Antecedentes: as racas crioulas, devido a sua selecao natural em ambientes hostis e adaptacao as condicoes regionais, sao importantes para os agricultores de poucos recursos economicos. Porem, na Colombia, devido ao cruzamento indiscriminado com racas estrangeiras e a falta de controle na reproducao, tem aumentado a consanguinidade nas populacoes de ovinos crioulos e por tanto tem gerado perda na produtividade, o que faz supor um grande risco para a conservacao de genes valiosos. Objetivo: determinar a diversidade genetica em racas crioulas colombianas utilizando um painel de 10 marcadores moleculares microssatelites. Metodos: visitaram-se 43 granjas localizadas em 11 departamentos do pais, nos quais foram amostrados 362 individuos, que foram genotipados e analisados para um painel de 10 marcadores microssatelites. Resultados: um total de 134 alelos foram encontrados (media de 13,4 alelos/locus), com um rango de heterocigocidade observada e esperada de 0,428 a 0,831 e 0,615 a 0,855, respectivamente, e um conteudo de informacao polimorfica (PIC) medio de 0,742. O Wright F-statistics (F IS ) medio das racas avaliadas foi de 0,107, o qual sugere que as racas apresentam niveis moderados de consanguinidade. As ovelhas colombianas apresentaram um baixo grau de diferenciacao genetica entre as diferentes racas (F ST = 0,054) e o analise de STRUCTURE mostrou complexos patroes de mistura nas racas estudadas. Conclusao: em termos gerais, as ovelhas colombianas apresentaram uma alta variabilidade genetica, o qual e muito importante para futuros programas de conservacao e melhoramento genetico. Palavras chave: conservacao, diversidade genetica, DNA, estrutura populacional, gado ovino.