Analysis of polymorphisms in the mitochondrial <i>ND5</i> gene in Pantaneira and Creole breeds of sheep

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess genetic variation between a population of Pantaneira sheep in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, and Creole sheep from the south of the country by molecular analysis of the ND5 gene in mitochondrial DNA. The analysis revealed the presence of 16 haplotypes with all Pantaneira sheep grouped together carrying a single haplotype, and there was no grouping with any of the Creole sheep. The F_ST value was 0.44, indicating that there is a genetic difference between the two breeds, which may indicate that both breeds underwent differentiation.

Key words: Ovis aries, ND5 gene, genetic diversity, phylogeny, breed differentiation.